A NEW Forest safety group who called for two cycle events to change their routes have welcomed the new arrangements.

The New Forest Safety Advisory Group called for the Gridiron 100 and the Wiggle New Forest 100 Sportive to change their direction and routes over fears the two events would end up clashing on Sunday.

They issued a public statement calling for the organisers to take action to avoid meeting in opposite directions at the same time on the Gorley Road from Fordingbridge to Ringwood and on Ornamental Drive in Brockenhurst to Roger Penny Way in Bramshaw.

And in response to the concerns, New Forest Gridiron 100 changed the direction of their route, so cyclists will now travel the same way as the New Forest 100 route.

They will also arrive at different times at the points where the two routes meet.

Chairman of the New Forest Safety Advisory Group, James Knight, said: “We’re pleased that the organisers have acted on our recommendations to ensure that their events can take place as safely as possible.

“The SAG has an important role in advising event organisers regarding the safety of their event in the interest of everyone taking part, as well as the local community.

“Our concerns have been lessened although the public should still be aware that congestion may occur and should take extra care when travelling in the area.

PROMOTING IT SINCE 1991 Keith Matthews, pictured left, who organised the New Forest Gridiron for CTC Wessex for 10 years from 1995-2005, has pointed out the differences in the two rides on Sunday.

He said: “We have promoted the Gridiron since 1991 as a means of promoting cycling in the New Forest, for in those days only club cyclists tackled rides like this and cycling was nowhere near as popular then. We are all volunteers running this in our own time and we have liaised with village halls and W.I. groups.”

He also said the style of ‘sportif’ riding meant there was a potential for ‘fast and furious’ riding, which could cause problems.