Twenty years ago there was very little cycling on the Common. Today, increasing numbers of people want to cycle for exercise, enjoyment, or simply to get from A to B.

The challenge is to balance this need with the needs of other users

There are no dedicated cycle paths. Paths are either shared use or no cycling, indicated by the adjacent signs. The speed limit is 12mph, and when cycling over the railway bridge in the middle of the Common — the Catsback Bridge — cyclists are requested to dismount.

Most cyclists follow the rules perfectly happily and are content to share the Common with other users (even though admittedly the signage is not always as clear as it could be). Unfortunately there are a minority who don’t: infringements of the bye-laws related to cycling are the single biggest reason for the police to issue verbal and written warnings, and in a few cases prosecutions.

The rules are simple: keep to the shared use paths and observe the 12mph speed limit. Watch out for others. Off road cycling damages grass and paths through erosion, especially when wet, and can disturb and distress people and wildlife.