Motorbikes on towpaths

Published: Friday, 30 June 2017

I THINK the term 'motorbike' is rather restrictive, writes Bill Ridgeway.

Reference to the Highway Code gives:

@ Rule 64: You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.

@ Rule 145: You MUST NOT drive on or over a pavement, footpath or bridleway except to gain lawful access to property, or in the case of an emergency.

@ Rule 157: Certain motorised vehicles do not meet the construction and technical requirements for road vehicles and are generally not intended, not suitable and not legal for road, pavement, footpath, cycle path or bridleway use. These include most types of miniature motorcycles, also called mini motos, and motorised scooters, also called go peds, which are powered by electric or internal combustion engines. These types of vehicle MUST NOT be used on roads, pavements, footpaths or bridleways.

Banned

It is clear that all forms of motorised and pedal-powered transport are banned from bridleways, footpaths and pavements (except in exceptional and emergency circumstances).

I have not seen relevant regulations from CaRT or other navigation authorities but it is a reasonable assumption that the spirit of the law applying to highways also applies to towing paths. It is, therefore, important that ALL such potential infringements are reported to the police.

The use of bicycles for lock-wheeling may, technically, be banned but I am sure that as this has been accepted over many years and as long as it does not cause injury to other towing path users no-one would object.