From Paul Miller:-

THIS debate should not even be happening, as there are two separate parallel routes for both walkers and cyclists/horses.

This is certainly true of the section that I am familiar with between Heswall and West Kirby (with the exception of the last half mile at West Kirby).

However, I cycled this section quite recently and, while I am reasonably fit and have the luxury of a good mountain bike, the section from Lower Heswall to Thurstaston is far from easy, being very overgrown and extremely rutted (due to horses), and would be very difficult for the casual cyclist.

Furthermore, in wet conditions this same section is totally impassable, being ankle deep in mud the entire width of the track. Cyclists then have no option but to use the walkers' path with the resulting conflicts.

The cycle track needs to be reinforced to prevent the erosion which puts long stretches out of use for much of the year.

While the debate seems to focus on cyclists being a hazard on the walkers' path, the opposite is true. I often find myself taking avoiding action for walkers on the bridle route who are totally oblivious to approaching cyclists.

The Wirral Way is a wonderful resource which should be enjoyed by all, if used responsibly and with due consideration for others.

Address supplied.

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