LARGE cycling events in the New Forest continue to break the National Park's charter - but authorities say they are committed to working with organisers to minimise the negatives and maximise the benefits.

The annual report to members of the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) on the effectiveness of the Cycle Event Organisers' Charter and work of the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) says there have been tangible improvements in communication and the management of events run by some organisers.

However, four events last year, all organised by UK Cycling Events (UKCE), played host to more than 1,000 riders – a breach of the charter.

The Wiggle Spring ride, which is based at Somerley Estate and took place in April featured 4,264 participants over two days and the Wiggle New Forest 100 at the same location in September featured 3,744 cyclists over two days.

The Wiggle Bournemouth ride in June saw 1,027 riders, while the Brewin Dolphin based in the east of the Forest had 1,017 entries in July.

UK Cycling Events ran around 80 sportive rides in 2017 and the same four events which include routes in the New Forest are pencilled in for this year.

On UKCE's position on the rider cap, the report to NPA members says: "The company does not believe the cap of 1,000 participants is appropriate.

"However, UKCE staff routinely liaise with the SAG in advance of each event and provide detailed event plans. They provide up to three different routes (spreading participants more thinly across the Forest), provide a named contact person/phone number for the day of each event, front numbering of cycles and clear instructions to cyclists (in advance and on the day).

"The SAG is still committed to encouraging compliance with the Charter, and any event which does not comply with the cap of 1,000 riders and the lack of rear rider identification numbers will be sent an ‘amber’ letter stressing the importance of following the Charter and requesting that the event plan should be changed."

The report welcomes UKCE's move to introduce rear identification number s for cyclists, but admits there is more work to be done on this. It also highlights the successful manner of limiting the flow of riders leaving the start venue to a maximum of 10 cyclists per minute.

Looking forward, the report says progress is easiest in a positive environment where cyclists, motorists, local people, event organisers and statutory and non-statutory organisations look for solutions rather than problems.