Cycling is people’s favourite activity in the New Forest, according to the current results in an online poll being run by the New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA), chosen by more than four in five respondents.
Last week, the NFNPA was criticised by cycling organisations over its controversial Cycling Charter, which among other things seeks to place a limit on the number of riders taking part in sportives in the national park.
But the current standings in the poll place cycling well ahead of any other activity there, with 81 per cent of around 900 people who have voted to date choosing it as their favourite activity to do there.
Other activities are walking, at 12 per cent, horse riding, with 3 per cent, and sightseeing, at 1 per cent, while neither sailing nor sampling have reached the 1 per cent mark yet, attracting a handful of votes each.
It’s possible the results may be skewed towards cycling because of the high usage of social media among bike riders, and a link to the poll has been tweeted by Twitter users including former pro cyclist Daniel Lloyd and local campaigner, Forest Cyclist. It’s also possible some people may have voted multiple times.
Still, if you enjoy cycling in the New Forest, and you want to let the NFNPA know that, simply head over here to cast your vote.
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Was going to put sailing but since I was 'taken out' by a boat on the Beaulieu - Lyndhurst road a while ago.....
OK so it was being towed by a car at the time.
" 'Sampling and buying local produce' an activity? Come again ?"
Cycle to Burley, eat the Dorset apple cake, cycle home. Perfect day out.
Any one else spot the misteriously round 300 votes for buying local produce appear over night knocking 96% for cycling down to 92%?
Nice strong 92% for cycling.
Only 1000 people are permitted to cycle at a time though. Please form an orderly queue.
Was NIMBY-ing not an option then, I bet that would have got a few votes.
As fun as this is, the NF NIMBY Association will probably declare that the poll has been hijacked and is not an accurate representation of people's activities in the forest.
By the way, how many votes have "bestiality" and "marrying your cousin" got so far?
I was trying to find the options that said, dodging huge piles of steaming horse poo or cursing stupid car drivers that even though they have a clear road still pass as close as possible or just to annoy the posh people that live there and think they own the new forest. Funny couldn't find those 3
On current votes cycling needs get 37,500 to enable the poll to show 100% only 35,000 to go...
I wonder, at what No do they decide to pull the vote and bury the results?
Can't hide the result, 92% indicating cycling as their favourite, plus I have screen dump of the page
"Sampling and buying local produce" an activity? Come again ?
Followed by stuffing it in your face as you sit in monstrous queues of traffic waiting to exit the area.
On the plus side, they're probably relieved that no one has voted for sailing yet. That's really disruptive for the ponies.
"Please note: All poll results are indicative and may not reflect public opinion."
Pity they did listen to public opinion before writing the charter !
Now up to 84% no wonder they need limit numbers!
NFNPA have just pulled the pin on their own hand grenade and then shoved it up their own bottom. Bravo.
Shouldn't the poll read "what was your favourite activity in the New Forest?"
Those whose favourite activity is driving over the local wildlife just aren't as socially connected as the rest of us...
Unfortunately, it will only accept a few more votes for cycling. It's been limited to 1000 by the NPA.
It hasn't: currently showing 1092 cycling votes.
Whooooosh.
The damn nerve of them!
They'd better all be wearing identifying numbers (front and back). And for some reason, have taken a picture of themselves when they were voting. I bet they don't even pay poll tax.
I think I've stretched this one too far. I'll shut up now.
oh dear
I was just going to say its already 1204 when I saw what you did there.
Chapeau.
You've put the wrong link in. It's here http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/info/20069/from_your_armchair
Some say that the NPA chairman Oliver Crosseyed-Hare will spontaneously combust once 95% of respondents state that cycling is their favourite activity in the New Forest, apparently
Favorite activity:
Cycling 81%
Complaining about cycling 19%