Signed it ages ago. Redesignation is no good because it allows horses which have a much greater impact. There also seem to be requirements to maintain the surface in such a manner to make it uninteresting to bikes.
Of the cyclists who would like access to footpaths I imagine those who like technical challenge are in a distinct minority, so you might get access to ‘suitable’ footpaths but these might be the uninteresting ones. Personally I’d like to see all footpaths open to cyclists with an exception process to exclude bikes on a small number of contentious paths. I’m thinking certain Lakeland/Dales etc paths where it might just be to dangerous to mix users. Obviously such paths would need to be clearly marked on a map and have appropriate signage.
As it stands I use footpaths quite a lot but try to do so as responsibly as possible, and being especially courteous to other users.
Edit: Useful reference describing an important movement leading to the access we have today http://kindertrespass.com/