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A new light-controlled Pegasus crossing on Watergate Bank in Gateshead (shown below) provides a safe crossing point over the busy A692 Watergate Bank for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders using the popular Tanfield Railway Path.

The £60,000 crossing – the first to be built in Gateshead – works like the more familiar Pelican crossing, but has been specially designed to let horse riders use it without having to dismount.

Whereas a Pelican crossing has only one push-button control panel to activate the crossing, the Pegasus has two – one low down for pedestrians and cyclists and a second higher up the column for riders on horseback.

The new crossing is a key link in the four-mile Tanfield Railway Path, which runs from Dunston via Lobley Hill , Watergate Country Park, Street Gate and Sunniside to the Tanfield Railway, where it connects with the Bowes Railway Path. This predominantly off-road route forms part of Gateshead's expanding cycle network and attracts over 19,000 cycle trips every year.

Tyne and Wear Rights of Way Improvement Plan

The Tyne and Wear Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2007/11 is a blueprint for improving the network of public rights of way across Tyne and Wear.

It was formally published in February 2008 by Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland Councils.

The Plan, which the Councils are required to produce by law, looks at how best to improve existing rights of way across Tyne and Wear and also looks forward to the future.

The main aims of the Plan are to:

* Consider the present and future needs of the general public and users
* Look at the need for exercise, recreation and enjoyment of the countryside, and access to the countryside
* To consider the accessibility needs of visually and mobility-impaired people, both now and in the future.

The Plan, which includes a Statement of Action, has been produced by  the Rights of Way Officers from each authority and Officers from the Local Transport Plan Core Team for Tyne and Wear.  A wide consultation process received positive responses from members of the public, users and landowners.

PDF files of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan can be opened from the links below. 

Alternatively, to receive a CD containing the Plan and its appendices, or if you would prefer a summary of the Plan, please contact the Access Development Officer for Tyne and Wear, Kevin Vigars, on 0191 433 2375 or  e-mail your request to localaccessforum@gateshead.gov.uk.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan Documents

Summary
Main Report
Appendix - Front Cover and Contents
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E
Appendix F
Appendix G
Appendix H
Appendix I
Appendix J
Appendix K
Appendix L

Equestrian Strategy

A separate Equestrian Strategy has been produced that investigates the usage of rights of way by horse riders and carriage drivers and explores the barriers to increased use. 

Equestrian activity is a growing leisure pursuit, with 4.3 million participants.  Consultation with the equestrian community has helped to frame a strategy aimed at improving conditions for equestrian users, within the context of the broader rights of way and countryside access policies.