National Federation of Bridleway Associations

Defra Consultation on Mechanically Propelled Vehicles on Rights of Way

The Government is currrently proposing to remove the right to claim vehicular rights of way on the basis of historical evidence, to allow one year only for claims to record vehicular rights ,and to make existing public roads into private easements. For the NFBA response to the current proposals:

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The Federation was formed in 1989 as the Federation of Pennine Bridleway Associations. With increasing requests for membership from all over the country, the Federation became a national organization in 1997.

A grass-roots, bottom-up organization, the Federation provides a contact network to inform, support and encourage the many people and local groups working in isolation to improve bridleway access in their own areas.

The Federation holds open meetings four times a year, plus the AGM. Members receive papers either via email or snail mail.

Membership is open to groups and individuals, and costs £15 (email) or £20 (snail mail) a year. If you wish to join, send your details plus a cheque made out to NFBA to our treasurer Chris Peat, Baxenden House, Manchester Road, Accrington BB5 2RU.

The Federation holds an annual seminar/workshop on rights of way issues. It also runs the Pennine Rendezvous, an annual ride based in the South Pennines.

The Federation has consultee status on the Rights of Way Review Committee, which makes recommendations on rights of way legislation to central government. It is a member of the Byway and Bridleway Trust Council. NFBA representatives also attend the Planning Inspectorate user group meetings.

The Federation is the only national organization exclusively concerned with bridleways and ridden access to the countryside, and with getting a better deal for bridleway riders. Over recent years it has actively campaigned against the provisions of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, the legislation by which the government sold out on our rights to placate landowners faced with the right to roam.

Bridleway rights have never been properly recorded. Now they are to be extinguished in 2026. If you want to help fight this injustice, join the Federation now.