Yahoo some of our local bridleways are to open soon? According to local papers a small, but large enough, section of local trails are to re-open for this weekend! Or not?

Out riding around the hills today I spot a couple of Rangers, so stopped and asked if this was true. Well no not quite. The risk assessment has been done, but local council have to get MAFF approval, disinfectant and mats or baths, have to be sourced and paid for. Then the bomb shell, paths will only be opened to walkers, because they can’t afford the extra facilities for cyclists and horses. Okay, so if it’s only a matter of cost myself, and other local business, should/could contribute towards or provide these facilities.

This afternoon I phoned head of Local Conservators, they manage the hills, to offer help and find out what can be done. The Guy is very helpful, but has his own problems, ie what sort of mats or baths can he afford and what disinfectant can be used that will do what it is supposed to do, but not having any adverse effects on the local environment and not damage walkers footwear or cars.

Does anyone have any information or know what other areas are doing to disinfect mountain bikes (short of pressure washing). It needs to be relatively cheap and easy to install/maintain and use, as they are needed for about 10 locations. I have suggested some sort of trough or bath with a brush?
Any ideas? (Discuss below – ed)

This need to be effective as according to the governments risk assessment, cyclists, and horses, pose more of a risk (cat B) than walkers (cat C). So unless we can provide or offer a cost effective solution the easiest option is to ban cyclists and horses.

I cannot take much more road riding with the abusive, ignorant drivers etc and my business needs mountain bikers in the area.
The head of the Local Conservators (in charge of the hills) was more than happy for me to offer help and funding towards getting cyclists back on the hills, probably because I was the only person/local business to offer help rather than just moan at him. So please any advise would be appreciated and I would like to know why the government thinks that we pose the same risks as horses and more than walkers? Then maybe we can persuade Local Authorities and MAFF to open trials to all.

Note: We are not infected areas, but have cases all around and the area to be opened is nowhere near farmland and surrounded by roads, houses and gardens).