Horse riders in Essex have criticized the county council’s draft green transport strategy, “A Better Connected Essex,” for failing to address improvements to bridleways—routes used by walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users, and horse riders. Lucy White of the Essex Bridleways Association highlighted that the current bridleway network is “disjointed,” often forcing riders onto busy roads, which poses safety risks. With over 37,000 horses in Essex, she emphasized the need for safer, off-road routes to ensure vulnerable riders are not excluded from sustainable travel plans.

The Conservative-run council acknowledged the importance of bridleways as part of the county’s green infrastructure and promised to reflect this in the final strategy. While the draft focuses on cycle lanes and footpaths to better connect communities, the council is still consulting residents and encouraging feedback to improve the plan. The Essex Bridleways Association warned that without safer access for horses, equestrian travel would be “massively restricted,” urging inclusion in the development of safer, greener transport routes.