Off-road motorists are launching a campaign against Government action to ban them from the Ridgeway.
Bikers on the Ridgeway
Motorcyclists and 4X4 drivers who use Oxfordshire's stretch of the historic trail said they were fed-up with being blamed for causing damage. Countryside motor groups said most riders and drivers were responsible and followed a code of conduct, but had been given a bad name by 'hooligans'.
In December, the Government announced plans for consultation on a new law which could ban vehicles, excluding farm traffic, from using the track.
Tim Stevens, spokesman for the Oxfordshire branch of the Land Access and Recreation Association, said motor groups were just as concerned about wrong-doers -- but responsible members should not be penalised.
He said: "The argument that they cause all the damage is completely flawed.
"How can a motorbike, or even a 4X4, cause more damage than farm vehicles and heavy machinery, or even a one-tonne horse?"
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