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The government's decision to cap the UK's ancient right-of-way-network has been vigorously attacked by the British Motorcycling Federation (BMF).

According to insidebikes, the BMF is concerned that the new Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill (NERC) will seriously restrict the recreational use of green lanes by motorcyclists.

Under the terms of the bill any unsurfaced road that is not currently recorded as a "byway open to all traffic" will effectively have its public right of way removed. It is feared that the result will be a ban on trial bikes and other vehicles using Britain's unsurfaced roads.

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"We have been warning that this could happen," claimed BMF's land access spokesman Richard Olliffe. "Rights of Way are invariably ancient roads that are legitimately enjoyed by motorcyclists and motorists alike."

According to the BMF the question of public right of way for motorcycles has been clouded by illegitimate use on footpaths, bridleways and parkways. The body claims that this has been the catalyst behind the proposed legislation, which is targeting the wrong people.

"This is a classic case of the legitimate users being penalised through the activities of the cowboys - people who care little for the environment, motorcycling or anyone else but themselves," concluded Mr Olliffe.

The BMF plans to lobby the House of Lords in an attempt to block the legislation.