A CYCLIST'S code of conduct has been launched as part of a joint initiative by the Dartmoor National Park Authority and Dartmoor Commoners' Council.

Cyclists are being asked to take 'Moor Care' when out and about this summer as the national park has seen a steady increase in the sport's popularity both 'off road' along moorland bridleways and designated trails, as well as a boom in road cycling across Dartmoor.

The leaflet provides guidance on cycling on moorland roads, narrow lanes and off road routes, stressing the importance of riding considerately towards other users, respecting farming operations and includes advice on staying safe when cycling in remote areas.

Andrew Watson, head of recreation, access and estates, said: 'Cycling on Dartmoor is growing in popularity with more people taking part and we have seen a growth in timed cycling events on the road network, which can impact on local communities and other visitors.

'We have worked with cycling groups and farmers to produce a simple set of guidelines for cycling on Dartmoor. We did a draft version and the cyclists' comments were the lack of consideration from drivers and the community; from the farming community concerns were about the cyclists not keeping to designated routes.

'This code is based around asking people to be considerate of each other.'

Concerns from the farming community also included how cyclists cause disturbance to livestock.

John Waldon, chairman of Dartmoor Commoners' Council, said: 'Cyclists often don't realise that it is illegal to ride on the open moorland unless on a bridleway.

'This guide is welcomed by those that use the moor to graze their cattle, sheep and ponies and they hope that the information within this leaflet will reduce the disturbance to livestock and reduce accidents.'

Mary Alford, vice chair of Dartmoor Commoners' Council, said: 'There is a Dartmoor Commoners' Act that doesn't allow cycles to ride on the moors and to stick to cycle tracks and bridleways. People think they can go where they want but they can't. The Dartmoor Commoners' Council has worked with the Dartmoor National Park to get this code of practice going — we want to preserve Dartmoor for the beauty that it is and stop it from being damaged.'

The new code of conduct has been designed to encourage everyone that uses Dartmoor to respect each other and be considerate and safe.

Ken Robertson from Mid Devon Cycling Club said: 'It is important that all those who use either the roads of Dartmoor or the open moorland do so in a manner that respects all other road users and also enables those who earn their living from the moor do so. This guide goes a long way in explaining this to all parties.'

Copies of the leaflet are available from National Park Visitor Centres at Princetown and Postbridge or can be downloaded from the National Park website at http://www.dartmoor.gov">www.dartmoor.gov. uk/cycling

l Pictured left to right at the launch of the Dartmoor National Park Authority's Granite and Gears Cycle Code are: Ken Robertson, Peter Cowlard, John Waldon, chairman of Dartmoor Commoners' Council, Peter Hearne, Andrew Watson, DNPA, Peter Wheatley and Stuart Thrall.