A CONTROVERSIAL cap on the number of cyclists taking part in New Forest events is being recommended for support despite opposition from major cycling organisations.

The contentious proposal for the Cycling Charter will be discussed at a meeting of the New Forest National Park Authority on Thursday.

UK Cycling Events' Martin Barden, who runs the Wiggle New Forest rides, does not support the 1,000 rider cap or a proposal expecting all riders to wear rear numbers.

And that sentiment is echoed by British Cycling and the Cyclist's Touring Club.

A report to members says: “They support most of the Charter...however, they have consistently argued against the cap and blanket statement about rider identification.

“They might have supported road-and-event-specific limitations provided these were specified by SAG (Safety Advisory Group) and if such limits were based on recorded incidences of serious impacts.”

When the Daily Echo asked how the number of 1,000 cyclists was arrived at and what evidence the number was based on, the Authority said it had been suggested at parish council quadrant meetings.

The report also said: “The case for the cap is primarily that it provides a simple, clear way for event organisers to show respect for local people and reduce the impact of large event on other road users, including recreational cyclists, walkers and horse riders, as well as respect for commoners' livestock.

“Events with fewer than 1,000 cyclists have prompted very few complaints and so long as individual cyclists ride considerately and are released in groups with suitable gaps in between, events up to this size should enable other road users to go about their business with minimal inconvenience.”

It adds that the events 'should' still be financially viable if run commercially.

The New Forest NPA is a member of the New Forest Cycling Charter's liaison group along with other bodies.

At a meeting in June, members said they would only support the divisive agreement, which is voluntary, if a cap on 1,000 cyclists was introduced and riders wear rear numbers.

The Cycling Charter has “been welcomed” by Transport Minister, Robert Goodwill MP, who “has been lobbied by various people and organisations on the subject.”

The Authority says in their report that Department of Transport intervention on a national level could be warranted if the so-called issues associated with sportives in the New Forest are replicated elsewhere.