Poll: Cycling favourite New Forest activity for 4 in 5 people

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.