A GROUP representing thousands of cycling enthusiasts has condemned the New Forest National Park for its "irrational opposition" to the popular activity.

Cycling UK has compared the Forest with the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which has achieved international recognition by hosting part of the Tour de France.

But the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) has defended its record, saying more than £2 million has been spent on improving cycle facilities.

The long-running war of words over cycling in the Forest has resumed following fresh criticism of major cycling events staged in the area.

As reported in the Daily Echo, bosses behind mass cycling events came under fire after the NPA admitted it was powerless to control the controversial rallies.

Members heard that UK Cycling Events (UKCE) was still refusing to comply with a voluntary charter which says the number of riders should be limited to 1,000 and each one must wear an identity number on his or her back.

Critics claimed the authority should be given new legal powers to regulate the mass rides.

Three years ago the NPA axed plans to launch a bike hire scheme that aimed to benefit families visiting the Forest for off-road cycling.

The Boris Bikes-style project was backed by Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman and also sparked a 2,000-name petition in its favour.

Other supporters included Cllr David Harrison, who told fellow NPA members: "We have a duty to encourage forms of transport that could ease congestion and help promote healthy lifestyles and this would be a significant step in the right direction.

“Those that argue that cycling is unpopular in the New Forest are just wrong.”

But the NPA scrapped the scheme, citing what it described as the "anti-cycling sentiment" caused by repeated problems with mass cycling events.

It had to return £1.5 million of government money it had been given towards the cost of making the Forest more cycle-friendly.

Critics of events staged by UKCE claim some of the riders have sworn at drivers, endangered horse riders and used roadside verges as toilets. A small number of protesters have tried to sabotage events by sprinkling tacks in the road, causing countless punctures.

Now Cycling UK has claimed that national parks have a duty to promote opportunities for outdoor recreation.

In a message aimed mainly at critics of family cycling it said: "For years increased access for walkers was opposed on the basis it would lead to devastation in the countryside.

"Sadly the same arguments are still being trotted out to opposed improved access for cyclists.

"While one national park (the Yorkshire Dales) has recently welcomed the Tour de France, broadcasting 'God's own country' globally, another (the New Forest) has been forced to hand back grant funding to the government after cancelling a public hire bike scheme due to anti-cycling sentiment among local decision-makers.

"This opposition to cycling is often entirely irrational.

"Extensive research into issues such as wildlife disturbance, erosion and perceptions of conflict has repeatedly disproved the relevant arguments."

Last night the NPA's head of recreation, Nigel Matthews, said: "The Forest’s extensive network of waymarked gravel tracks and superb natural environment make it a great place for a leisurely bike ride.

"Since 2013 we have invested over £2 million to improve the national park for cyclists, including improved cycle hire facilities, miles of new and improved off-road cycle paths and improved infrastructure for storing bikes.

"As a result of our work on the Cycle Event Organisers’ Charter the management of on-road cycle sportive events is also much improved.

"We remain fully committed to protecting and enhancing the local environment and promoting opportunities for public enjoyment."