Walker (60) 'shaken' by cyclist attack after challenging him for not using cycle track

A WALKER claimed he was attacked by a cyclist who he confronted about unlawfully riding on the open Forest.

The 60-year-old victim, who asked not to be named, was left with cuts and grazes after the assault close to Hampton Ridge, near Fordingbridge, on Sunday afternoon.

He challenged the cyclist as he used a narrow, off-track path, pointing out a clearly marked cycle route just 100 yards away.

He told the A&T: “He rode at me a few times, catching my arm and leg with his handlebars. He made it perfectly clear that if I did not move he would become more violent.

“It ended with him physically pushing me – it was quite a substantial push. I went flying back, I could have broken something.

“God knows what could have happened if it was someone less robust than me. He was a particularly nasty individual and it was an escalation I wasn’t prepared for.”

The Forest has a dedicated network of cycling trails and it is against bylaws to take bicycles off approved surfaces.

As reported in the A&T last year, the verderers previously raised “serious concern” about cyclists who do not stick to the waymarked cycle routes.

They even considered using a private investigator to find one off-track rider who regularly posted videos online of their activities.

The attack victim said he would continue walking at Hampton Ridge, adding: “I was born and raised in the Forest and I walk there every day.

“Sadly, the whole area is full of cyclists riding where they shouldn’t and I always ask them when I see them if they are lost.

“Then we generally have a conversation or a disagreement of views about not using the correct cycle tracks.”

He added: “I do not want to be put off by one individual and I will probably still ask people if they are lost [when I come across cyclists].

“This is not the Forest I grew up in, and the terribly sad thing is the people who are doing this are probably local.

“Visitors keep to gravel tracks as they don’t know the area – it is the locals, they think they are untouchable.

“Cyclists in the Forest used to be a rarity; now I always see them. There are a plethora of tyre tracks; there is no respect for the area. It is my pet peeve and I can’t stand idly by.

“Sadly there seems to be nothing [the authorities] can do. But now I have been assaulted, something needs to be addressed.”

Hampshire police confirmed the attack was reported, saying: “The incident has been filed pending any new further information coming to light – in which case the investigation may be reopened.”

The cyclist was described as aged in his late 30s to early 40s, at least 6ft tall and of a slim, athletic build with distinctive grey stubble.

He was wearing a white cycle helmet and distinctive pale green shorts. He is thought to have been riding a blue bike with wide, off-road tyres.

The A&T has asked for comment from the New Forest Cycling Club and New Forest Mountain Bike Club.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 44220380708, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.