CIVIC chiefs have today approved a new charter that aims to reduce the impact of mass cycling events in the New Forest.
The voluntary charter says the number of cyclists taking part in an organised ride should not exceed 1,000.
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, UK Cycling Events, is refusing to back both ideas.
The charter was approved at a meeting of the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA), which agreed to review the situation in a year's time.
NPA member Maureen Holding said: “If this doesn't work we should call in the MP and pursue rules and regulations that are enforceable.
“We want safety in our forest and we want everyone to be able to enjoy the area, not just cyclists.”
But fellow NPA member David Harrison accused the authority of “victimising” cyclists.
He added: “We are making a serious misjudgement by digging in our heels and preventing us having a charter that cyclists will sign up to.”
However, other members cited the amount of work that had gone into producing the document and said it was time to “give it a try”.
The document was approved by 14 votes to two.
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