TWO of Hampshire’s top politicians have vowed to step up their fight for new laws governing the size of mass cycling events.

New Forest East MP Julian Lewis and fellow Tory Desmond Swayne, who represents New Forest West, spoke out after civic chiefs approved a voluntary charter that aims to “guide” cycle event organisers.

The charter, which proposes self-regulation, was given the nod at yesterday’s meeting of the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA).

As reported in the Daily Echo, the document says the number of cyclists taking part in an organised event should be restricted to 1,000 per day.

It also says riders should wear numbers on their backs, making them easier to identify if they are involved in an incident.

But the company that stages the biggest rides in the Forest, UK Cycling Events, is refusing to support those two aspects of the charter.

Cllr Maureen Holding told fellow NPA members: “If this doesn’t work we should call in the MPs and go for rules and regulations that are enforceable. We want safety in our Forest.”

Daily Echo:

Speaking after the meeting Mr Swayne (above) said he and Dr Lewis would continue to press for new regulations governing the size of cycle events.

He added: “The charter is a step in the right direction but it’s voluntary.

“A limit on numbers is an important element. That is why we will continue to try to get enforceable regulations.”

However, county councillor David Harrison told fellow NPA members there was “zero chance” of the Government introducing new laws to regulate mass cycle rides.

He added: “Let’s stop victimising cyclists.

“To paint them all as anti-social menaces just plays into the hands of a small minority of local people who have developed a visceral hatred of anyone wearing Lycra.”

Cllr Harrison said the NPA risked becoming a “laughing stock” by publishing a charter that cyclists refused to support.

He added: “Recent large-scale cycling events have taken place with barely a problem. They involved hundreds of people visiting the area, enjoying themselves, benefiting the economy and raising thousands of pounds for charitable causes.

“I want the organisers to be around the table when events are planned. I want co-operation, not confrontation.”

NPA chairman Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre confirmed that the authority had no power to regulate mass cycle rides.

He added: “We hope that all event organisers will follow the charter’s criteria, even if they don’t agree with it all.”

The document was approved by 14 votes to two but members agreed to review the situation in 12 months’ time.