A CAP on the number on cyclists taking part in New Forest events could lead to more aggression from motorists, warn three major cycling and transport groups.

A meeting of the New Forest National Park Authority today is recommending members support controversial plans to include a cap on cyclists as part of the New Forest Cycling Charter.

But despite generally backing the Charter, representatives from British Cycling, the national cycling charity CTC, and Sustrans, cannot support it over the proposed cyclist cap and requirement for riders to wear rear identification numbers.

They warn it could lead to more aggression from motorists leading to ‘confrontation and potential danger’.

The Charter is advisory and has no standing in law, although New Forest NPA have stated if event organisers continually flout it, they could campaign for legislation to be changed so they have greater control.

In a joint statement to New Forest NPA members, British Cycling’s Mark Adams, Tejesh Mistry from CTC and Nick Farthing from Sustrans, urge changes to the document.

In setting out their case, the trio say no evidence has been presented of cycling events threatening humans and wildlife and damaging the forest, despite claims by residents and local groups.

A “general antipathy” to cyclists makes up the main objection to cycle events, along with inconvenience to motorists, they surmise.

In relation to the identification numbers, the statement says this idea was motivated by a desire to photograph and report riders.

“This form of vigilantism, only one step removed from the illegal removal of signs and the spreading of tacks on the road, can only lead to confrontation and danger to participants”, the statement says.

The representatives compare the cap on cyclists with vehicle numbers and state no limits have been applied to the numbers of vehicles attending the New Forest Show, which leads to severe congestion in the summer.

And they argue the wearing of numbers is not suggested for participants of any other recreational activities.

“This charter will go one step further in establishing the anti-cycling credentials of the authority,” the statement adds.