For generations, the highways and byways of England and Wales have been explored and enjoyed by motorcyclists, but this could be banned if a proposal, put out for consultation by the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, goes ahead.

If turned into law, it would change the face of recreational riding for ever.

The proposed legislation could affect many types of motorcycle sport and severely threaten some of the UK's oldest competitions -- like the famous classic trials organised by the Motor Cycling Club (whose Edinburgh Trial, for example, celebrates its centenary this June).

The change is part of the fallout from the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which introduced the right to roam for hikers across thousands of square miles of private land -- but which could also drive motorsport out of the countryside.

Illegal motorcycling is a real problem in places like The Ridgeway -- but in seeking to combat it effectively, countryside minister Alun Michael is proposing changes that could hit the law-abiding rider too.

However, the Government-proposed ban has been backed by Oxfordshire County Council, walkers and local community groups. The council is working with the Countryside Agency to bring in the new law to stop both motorcycles and 4x4 vehicles from churning up the county's stretch of the national trail.

County councillor Brian Hodgson, who is also president of Oxfordshire Ramblers Association, said: "We wouldn't want to stop farm vehicles and tractors using The Ridgeway, but we want to stop recreational vehicles."

Bill Troughear, chairman of the Land Access and Recreation Association, said: "There is a real danger that motorcyclists will lose access to minor Tarmac and stone-surfaced roads with the introduction of these proposals -- closing down access to large areas of the countryside.

"Motoring organisations do not condone irresponsible and aggressive behaviour in the countryside. Our ancient highways are not scramble practice tracks, nor a battleground to be conquered. If people want to go fast, they should enter competitions held on appropriate terrain.

"Unfortunately, our planning rules make the setting up of off-road competition circuits very difficult. This does not help in diverting inappropriate highway use to more appropriate activity sites.

"It is grossly unfair to propose legislation that damages our centuries-old highway law, takes away the rights of ordinary people enjoying an arcane, but historic, pastime, does little to tackle the root causes of the problems, and gives yet more exclusive territory to ramblers, who already enjoy more access than they can ever possibly want."

LARA will be co-ordinating a response to the proposals, and advising club members how to approach their MPs.

Mermbers of the Oxfordshire Trail Riders Fellowship are calling for all countryside motorists to support the campaign against the proposed law.

Member Dan Heelas, 33, of Southmoor, who rides on The Ridgeway twice a week during the summer, said: "Riding is my life. I love The Ridgeway.

"Responsible riders avoid it in wet weather because that is when damage is caused to the surface.

"I want this blame game to stop and for everyone who enjoys The Ridgeway to be tolerant of each other."

He wrote to the Oxford Mail after a local farmer blamed "gangs" of trail bike riders for racing dangerously along The Ridgeway and damaging the historic trail.

The Wantage farmer insisted it was the bikes. and not agricultural machinery, that was to blame for ploughing up the historic green road.

The closing date for responses to the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs proposal is March 19. Copies of the consultation paper are available on www.laragb.org