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Streets, roads and pavements

Public rights of way

A public right of way (PRoW), like a road, is a highway that can be used by the public at all times.

PRoWs can be:

There are currently no BOATs in York.

Public rights of way in and around York


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Footpaths, bridleways and restricted byways are marked on the map. Click on a highlighted route to see more information.

Zoom in (+) or zoom out; (-) or move/drag the map to reveal information; you can also:

  • search by street name or postcode
  • click >> or << to reveal or hide the map legend

Footpaths

Footpaths are for:

  • walkers
  • prams and pushchairs
  • buggies and wheelchairs

Some footpaths, particularly those in the countryside, may not be suitable for some users.

Dogs on footpaths

Dogs are allowed on footpaths, although you may have to keep them on a lead or under close control. Please be a responsible dog owner:

  • clean up after your dog - it's an offence to allow your dog to foul on PRoW
  • make sure your dog does not stray off the path - you may be committing trespass (the landowner can ask you to leave)

Cycles on footpaths

You do not have the right to ride or push a bicycle along a footpath - if you do so without permission from the landowner you may be trespassing and can be asked to leave.

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Bridleways

Bridleways are for:

  • walkers
  • horse riders
  • cyclists

You can lead a horse along a bridleway.

Cyclists must give way to walkers and horses. Horses must give way to walkers.

Some bridleways are not suitable for cycles.

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Restricted byways

Restricted byways are for:

  • walkers
  • horse riders
  • users of non-mechanically propelled vehicles such as bicycles

Restricted byways cannot be used by members of the public in mechanically propelled vehicles such as cars and vans following the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

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Byways open to all traffic (BOATs)

Byways open to all traffic are for:

  • walkers
  • horse riders
  • cyclists
  • any type of vehicular traffic

However, the main use of these routes is the same as footpaths and bridleways.

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Also see

Public Rights of Way Team

West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA

Telephone: 01904 551550