Horse riders and horse drawn carriage drivers are entitled to use carriageways, all-purpose roads and byways open to all traffic. Additionally, horse riders are entitled to use bridleways. Both modes of travel must be considered in the design and safety audit of all developments which either:
- affect an existing or future bridleway; or
- affect an existing or future carriageway that carries horse riders and/or horse drawn carriage drivers.
The guidance in this section relates generally to lower-speed single carriageways. For facilities for horse riders in other circumstances, please refer to Design Manual for Roads and Bridges CD 127, "Cross-sections and headroom”.
Bridleways can be used by horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians, and the needs of these groups should be considered.
Where a new junction is formed between a bridleway and a road and an Non Motorised User audit indicates the likelihood of a high level of horse rider usage, a pegasus crossing and appropriate associated signage should be provided.
New roads likely to carry significant horse traffic (more than 100 passages a week) need to be designed with that traffic in mind. In some instances, the designer should consider providing a separate horse trackway utilising the verge.