The Rights of Way Improvement Plan for RCT - Rhondda Cynon Taf

3. Different Users and their Needs8IntroductionThis section draws on, but does notrepeat, the detail provided in theAssessment of different users and theirneeds.WalkingThis is the most common form ofaccess. Rhondda Cynon Taf has anextensive footpath network,supplemented by the introduction ofopen access in May 2005. Waymarkingand maintenance standardshave improved due to an increase instaff and resources from 2002,however, consultation and ‘easy touse’ statistics indicate that further workis required, in particular with regard tothe out of date Definitive Map. A lackof publicity regarding the network wasalso highlighted as a problem that Out& About should address. The levels ofuse of the footpath network is notknown, although the need forvegetation management can be anindicator of low levels of foot traffic. Itis likely that the urban fringe footpathsare more heavily used than moreremote paths.Horse RidingIt is recognised that there is a shortageof bridleways in the Rhondda, Cynonand Taff Valleys. In Taff Ely, the areanorth of Brynna and Llanharan has themost concentrated network ofbridleways in the County Borough.Some limited provision for horse ridershas been developed as part of theLoops and Links project in the north ofthe County Borough and there isextensive access to ForestryCommission Wales owned land viatheir Concordat with the British HorseSociety. The need for new bridlewaysor permissive routes for horse use andpotential for their development isaddressed by the action plan.CyclingCyclists, like horse riders, are classifiedas vulnerable road users. Cycling haslong been a popular and low costmethod of transport. The Councilcurrently manages a number of offroadroutes on disused railway linesthat are in Council ownership. Someof these form part of the NationalCycle Network. There is little specificon-road provision for cyclists. Sustrans,the sustainable transport charity, arecontinually seeking opportunities todevelop cycling routes in partnershipwith the Council. Mountain biking isalso a popular pastime, utilisingbridleways and other un-surfacedpermissive paths, often on ForestryCommission land. It is likely that onroad cycling is declining and off roadcycling (both trail and mountainbiking) increasing, in line withnational trends.Access for All/ Visually and MobilityImpaired UsersEach disabled person has differentabilities, attitudes and needs inrelation to access. Closer contact isneeded with disabled grouprepresentatives through the LocalAccess Forum, to reduce the exclusionof people with limited mobility orother impairment from using thenetwork. Current Council policy is toreplace existing stiles with kissinggates that will remove widthrestrictions and physical barriers,where possible. Also, where barriersare erected to prevent motorcycle use,chicanes and/or RADAR key gates areprovided to allow access for peoplewith mobility problems. A workinggroup undertook specific survey andadaptations on the Taff Trail withdisabled users, including the visuallyimpaired. This has informed morerecent work on other communityroutes. Adapted cycles are availableOut & About: The Rights of Way Improvement Plan for Rhondda Cynon Taf