Make towpaths safer

THE canal towpaths run through many locations in England and Wales, and provide a nice place for individuals to cycle sensibly and for people to enjoy a walk with their dogs or children, writes Mick Fitzgibbons.

But there has been a ground swell of disappointment in the attitude of the Canal & River Trust with regards to peoples feelings of being at risk and the perception of feeling at risk when using the towpaths.

Getting silly

However it's getting silly on the towpath, because the towpaths are already being turned into unofficial time trial venues for cyclists. The towpath is currently being upgraded in many places. People have raised their concerns and the Trust seems to demonstrate a laissez faire attitude in the belief that it can educate cyclist into a change.

Only an organisation which is out of touch with its customers and users could be so far out of tune with the serious concerns of towpath users. In place of speed calming measures built into the upgrade, the Trust will have notices and handouts. However, I believe there will be little time or willingness from cyclist participating in a time trial to stop and read the notices.

Please take time to consider what you have experienced on the towpath and if you are in favour, please sign the petition.

https://www.change.org/p/canal-river-trust-slow-down-cyclists-on-towpaths