Towpath users need educating

I'M A BOATER, cyclist and am heavily involved in the canal restoration movement, but it grieves me to say, as a (courteous) regular towpath cyclist, that cyclists are, by and large a problem on towpaths, writes Tony Jackson.

It's the Elephant in the room. CaRT (I guess) have to be seen to be embracing the wider community, as this opens up funding streams.

Code of conduct

I think the answer lies in education. I believe CaRT is working on a code of conduct for towpath users—I welcome this, for I also believe this code suggests people on foot have priority.

In all I read on the subject, I haven't read of any communication/liaison with cycling bodies, such as the CTC, Sustrans or local cycling clubs. I believe many cyclists are unaware that they do not have a right to expect other uses to leap out of the way, whilst they proceed unimpeded.

Problem compounded

The problem is compounded on towpaths which also form part of a Sustrans route—it is often overlooked, that Sustrans is not only about cycling, but walking too, and any other forms of sustainable transport. On these routes, cyclists tend to feel that it's theirs.

Whilst I think there are too many signs in this world—I do think signs to the effect: 'Cyclists—please ride courteously—give way to pedestrians' would help.

I have to say, that other towpath users are not all angels either!