there needs to be more focus on what is sustainable.
What a rights of way is classified as currently seem very random.
Basically because the difference between a footpath/bridleway/BOAT was just decided by a a series of civil servants in the 50’s.
The current thinking seems to be if its a bridleway/BOAT and its not sustainable it needs to be repaired to a standard so it is sustainable.
Personally I think all rights of way should be reclassified on sustainability.
MTBer either need to be classed with walkers as they are so similar or have their own group they are not comparible to horse’s see below.
average walker weights 70kg
average MTB 80 kg + 20 kg average.
average horse rider 500kg + 70kg
average 4×4 1500kg +
Alot of trails in clay areas should only be bridleways in the summer.
That makes a hell of a lot of sense. For folk that live in well draining areas I suspect what you typed will seem an irrelevance but living in an area exactly as you describe the concept of sustainability is an important one.