Horse-drawn vehicles Horse-drawn vehicles such as trotting sulkies

Public Rights of Way
What you re allowed to do on a right of way depends on its classification. Therefore it s important that you know
what type of path you re on.
Footpath Pedestrians only. Cycles and horses are not allowed.
Bridleway Pedestrians, horses and cycles only. No motor vehicles allowed.
Byway - Same as a bridleway, but might have some motor vehicle rights.
On a permissive path, access is granted by the landowner who decides what type of use is allowed. A
permissive path doesn t carry the same legal rights as public rights of way.
Access for All
There is good access for visitors with mobility problems at several sites across Tyne and Wear. All these sites
have well-surfaced, accessible routes that are easy to use. For up to date information please contact the Public
Rights of Way Officer of the Local Authority concerned.
Walking
Tyne & Wear offers some great walking. From riverside rambles to more challenging routes, there s something for
everyone.
When you re walking, always remember: Keep to the waymarked rights of way.
Shut gates unless you feel they have been deliberately left open.
Take care when walking near livestock.
Take extra care on multi-user routes.
Dog-walking
There are many places where you can walk your dog in Tyne & Wear. Most parks and public open spaces allow
dog walking, but please remember that they are all subject to regulations controlling fouling.
Horse-drawn vehicles
Horse-drawn vehicles such as trotting sulkies are not allowed on public bridleways. Any illegal use of horse-drawn
vehicles on public rights of way should be reported to the Police or to the relevant local authority.
This means you must always clear up any mess your dog makes, and failing to do so could make you liable to a
fine of up to £1000.
Cycling
When walking your dog, always remember: -
Cycling is a marvellous way to enjoy the area. It keeps you fit and it doesn t pollute the environment. Tyne & Wear
offers a wide range of safe cycling opportunities to suit all abilities.
Keep your dog under close control at all times.
Take extra care near livestock.
Ensure that your dog is not a nuisance to others path users, particularly cyclists, horse-riders and runners.
Horse riding
More and more people are riding in Tyne & Wear. There are already over 180km of bridleways, with a growing
number of multi-user routes giving safe off-road riding.
When cycling, always remember: Keep to legal cycling routes.
Give way to pedestrians and horses.
Use a bell to warn of your approach.
Keep your speed down on multi-user routes.
Motorcycles
When horse riding, always remember: Keep to legal bridleway routes.
Try to avoid damaging path surfaces.
Ride carefully past other path users.
Give way to pedestrians.
It is illegal to ride motorcycles on public footpaths and bridleways. Irresponsible use of motorcycles across Tyne
and Wear creates an unacceptable public nuisance and is a serious danger to other path users.
All the local authorities want to stamp out this antisocial activity. If you see motorcycles being used illegally either
on public rights of way or in other public open spaces, please report it to the Police and to your local council.
Contact details can be found elsewhere in this leaflet.