Work to improve bike danger trail

Bikers braked to control their descent to the road but damaged the hillside

A mountain bike trail in Surrey which has up to 50 riders an hour riding it at peak times is being made safer.

The trail, known as Barry Knows Best (BKB), in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is managed by the Hurtwood Control Trust.

Countryside managers at the trust said its steep exit, which joins Ewhurst Road, Peaslake, was dangerous.

A spokesman said work to realign the trail would allow bikes to join the road in a more controlled way.

He said the trust had received expert help from the cyclists' organisation CTC for the work, and an experienced digger team from Wales was on site to sculpt the new section of the trail.

Knotted roots

The new trail will be longer and include switchbacks to provide interest and challenges, but will have a safer exit.

He said the trail would still be a challenge for riders, but would no longer be dangerous for bikes, cars and other road users and it would also avoid a key bridleway.

The steep exit had also caused problems because bikes damaged the hillside when riders braked to try to control their descent, the spokesman said.

The trail - one of the most popular single-track trails in the area - is known for its steep cliff face and knotted roots.

Work is due to be finished by the end of the year.