Mountain biking is a popular pastime, but its often not easy to find routes in south Worcestershire that are legal and don’t involve lots of cycling on roads.

As a cyclist you’re legally allowed to ride on bridleways, Byeways Open To All Traffic (BOATS), Green Lanes and White Roads.

Although there’s usually no legal right the Forestry Commission and Canal and River Trust often provide permissive rights for cyclists on forest tracks and towpaths.

It is however illegal to cycle on footpaths and on pavements, unless the county council has formally opened them up to cyclists.

The best way to research where its legal to ride locally is through the county council’s Public Rights of Way Interactive Map that can be found at worcestershire.gov.uk

Locally the most popular area for mountain biking is on the Malvern Hills.

To help out the Malvern Hills Trust has recently produced a free and detailed walking and cycling map of the Malvern Hills that clearly shows where the bridleways are. By the end of this month they’ll also be providing three signed mountain bike routes that are 5.6km, 8km and 18.5km long. You can get a free copy of the map and route cards from their offices in Malvern, Tourist Information Centres and local bike shops. Alternatively you can download from malvernhills.org.uk

Another useful source for local off-road cycle routes are ‘The Malverns Offroad Cycling Maps’ published by Offroad Cycling in partnership with the Malvern Hills AONB and local County Councils. Map 1 shows six routes of between 18km and 33km on bridleways and quiet lanes to the east of the Malvern Hills including two routes near Worcester.

Map 2 has 8 routes of between 7km and 23km to the north and west of the Malverns. Both maps are £2.99 each. They’re available from local bike shops, bookshops and tourist information offices or you can order online from comecyclingledbury.com

To encourage responsible offroad cycling the national charity Cycling UK has produced this useful code of conduct.

l Ride Responsibly Show respect for all other users, and take care of the environment.

l Leave No Trace Practice low-impact cycling to protect trails and avoid wet and muddy trails. Keep to the line of existing trails, avoid skidding and take your litter home.

l Control Your Bike Stay focussed, check your speed, and think about other people.

l Always Give Way Let people know you are there. Pass wide and slow, particularly with horse-riders and approach with caution on blind corners and descents.

l Avoid Disturbing Animals Farm, pet and wild animals are startled by sudden noise, be considerate.

l Always Plan Ahead Know your bike, your equipment, your ability and the area, and wear appropriate safety gear, and helmet.

Finally, if you want a bit of inspiration to get out mountain biking why not pop along to Malvern Theatres on Tuesday, October 16, to hear Mountain Biking superstar Steve Peat ‘Peaty’ tell the story of his illustrious racing career that saw him rise to become one of the most successful men’s downhill racers of all time.

The talk starts at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £19.60 and Malvern Hills Trust will be there handing out copies of their free cycling maps and route cards.