I read with disappointment your recent article regarding off-road motorcycles on the Brecon Beacons.

As an off-road bike rider of nearly 40 years, I find it frustrating that I would be included in the description of the idiots found riding illegally and on illegal machines on the mountains.

I, along with fellow off-road bikers, ride road-registered, insured and MOTd motorcycles.

We ride the legal byways which are available to us, with consideration for walkers, horse riders and farmers alike, in terms of always closing gates and switching off engines when coming across horse riders.

I have been a horse rider myself and understand the situation with traffic, I also enjoy walking in the countryside, so am fully aware of the impact of off-road riders who have no consideration for others.

When walking on byways open to traffic I am always aware that I may encounter off-road motorcyclists.

Since 2005 and the introduction of “right to roam”, the lanes we are legally allowed to ride have been dramatically reduced, therefore the lanes available to us now may appear well used due to the loss of so many once-accessible trails.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all enjoy the countryside in our different ways and with consideration for others as I and my fellow riders do!

Don’t tar us all with the same brush!

James Greenhill
Much Birch