THE WHEELS have come off cyclists’ hopes of riding around Petersfield Heath.

A byelaw dating from the 1950s prohibits cyclists over ten years old from riding on the 91-acre beauty spot, owned by Petersfield Town Council.

And that bylaw was upheld at the Petersfield Town Development Committee meeting on Friday, October 6, in the town hall.

The decision came after a lengthy debate, which began when members heard there was a view that cyclists should be able to use the Heath.

The committee, which works closely with the town council, was asked why cycling appeared to be the only popular recreational activity banned from the heath.

Committee chairman and town councillor John Palmer said: “The Millennium Path round the pond is for pedestrians, not cyclists, and at times there are thousands of people walking around the Heath.

“If bikes were allowed on the Heath, mountain bikes would follow, and eventually there wouldn’t be any room for families.”

Members also heard that a cycle path across the Heath from the Heath Road East side to the gated exit on Heath Road was impractical.

East Hampshire and Hampshire county councillor Rob Mocatta said: “I’m not convinced a cycle path on the Heath makes any sense. It’s nice in theory but not in practice.”

Members also heard that a cycle route from the estates of Rival Moor Road and Durford Road could be considered in partnership with South Downs National Park Authority.

It would run along Heath Road East, over Sussex Road and behind houses in the road, and on to the new Causeway Farm estate, where it would join a path into town.

However, councillors agreed that it would certainly be quicker, and probably easier, for cyclists to ride into town along Heath Road.

But the committee acknowledged there was a need for safe cycling routes in and across the town, as well as somewhere for recreational cycling.

Cllr Palmer said: “I move no change to the cycling status quo on the Heath.”

Members agreed unanimously cycling should remain banned on the Heath.