FAQs
Why is this change needed?
This change would formalise the use of the North Wirral Coastal Route by all current user groups; pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. This route provides an important link from Wallasey to Meols on the North coast of Wirral. and currently there is no effective means of informing users of their responsibilities. It would also improve the routes to and from the foreshore so that horse riders can ride along the beach.
How did this issue arise?
It was evident during the Covid pandemic that more people chose to use the route for active travel means, either by walking, wheeling or cycling. No signage is present along the route to advise pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians what the status of the route is. By realigning the route as a public bridleway we will be able to erect suitable signage to advise users of the status.
Why was the Public Bridleway status chosen?
To formalise the route for all potential users and to maintain access for general maintenance, for statutory undertakers and for emergencies.
Have any other options been considered for this route?
A network of other Public Rights of Way are available in this area, but this route is considered suitable for all existing users, and the only current barrier is the historic byelaw restricting its use to pedestrians.
I enjoy using this route, will it change how i can use the route?
No, the only thing that will change is how effectively the Council is able to manage the route for the safety of all user groups, by installing signs to inform users of their responsibilities.
Why is this being looked at now?
The route has become much busier since the Covid pandemic, bringing to light the need to make this change to improve safety for everyone using the route.
This will mean that more people can use the route, so is anything being done to help everyone safely and effectively share the path?
The change will not necessarily mean more people can use the route, the purpose is to formalise its use by all existing user groups.
Will this mean there are likely to be more collisions on the ute as more people will be using it?
There will not necessarily be more people using the route, and by installing signs to advise users of their responsibilities, we expect the route to be made safer.
With more people using this route, who gets right of way?
As on all Bridleways, cyclists must give way to pedestrians and horse riders.
Can i ride a horse along this route?
Yes, we are not currently enforcing the existing byelaw as we think it is outdated and isn't best suited to this route anymore. With the introduction of the Public Bridleway status and the removal of the byelaw, this would formalise being able to ride a horse on this route.
What is a byelaw?
A byelaw is a local law introduced to manage a specific area or activity within a local authority. The Byelaws of 1935 restricted a number of activities and behaviours which at the time would have been a public nuisance in this area of the historic Wallasey borough.