Rights of Way in Britain.

Rights of way provide the main gateways to the countryside for the majority of the public, providing opportunity for many recreational activities including cycling, walking, horseriding, picnicking and the driving of motor vehicles.  There are estimated to be around 193,000 kilometres (120,000 miles) of public rights of way in England.

• 145,000 kilometres (90,000 miles) of footpaths

(Countryside Commission⁸, 1994, p13.) 
          As can be seen from figure 1, the fewest rights of way are open to vehicles; only around 4000 km compared with the 193,000 km that walkers can use, as they can legally walk on all classifications of right of way.  It is perhaps this reason why ill feeling is present in the off road community towards those who try to prevent them from keeping and using what little access they have to the countryside.
Vehicular access is at present somewhat confused due to the reclassification taking place under the Year 2000 Reclassification target. However rights exist on BOAT's (Byways Open to All Traffic) often shortened to just Byway, on some RUPP's (Roads Used as Public Paths), and most UCR's (Unclassified County Roads).  It is a criminal offence under Section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to drive a motorised vehicle on a footpath or bridleway.  On a Byway, RUPP or UCR the right of way is on foot, horseback, and bicycle or by wheeled vehicle of all kinds including horse-drawn and motorised vehicles.  Any such motor vehicles must be properly taxed and fit for use on public roads.  The driver must also be licensed and insured. (Countryside Commission, 1994, p13.)

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