Sense at last on the speeding cyclists problem

Published: Saturday, 05 June 2021

IT SEEMS that there is sense at last from Canal & River Trust on the problem of speeding cyclists on its towpaths.

regents canal in islingtonIt is trialling  a month long 8mph speed warning on its canal towpaths in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry along the midland towpaths together at Stone on the Trent & Mersey in an attempt to stop speeding cyclists, that many in narrowboatworld have long demanded.

Speed tracker

This will be in the shape of a warning device linked to a speed tracker, that it is hoped will  encourage cyclists to slow down.

There will be new blue signs urging cyclists to 'Stay Kind, Slow Down' after so many complaints from walkers intimidated and at danger from what have become known as 'Lycra Louts' that use the towpaths for a quick way to get to and from work and even time trialling.

The automated device will be similar to those on roads and will show the speed at which the cyclist is travelling, giving a 'Thank-you' message if below 8mph or a 'StayKindSlowDown' if going too fast.

Speed cyclistEveryone to be considerate

A spokesman for the trust explained:

"We want people to use the canals, including cyclists, but ask everyone to be considerate of others on the towpath. Whilst most people are kind and courteous, if you are on a bike, it can just mean slowing down and cycling at a leisurely pace.

"We're asking cyclists to be sensible and to think about where they are and the people around them. Those on foot, including boaters accessing the water, have priority on our towpaths and, quite simply, those on bikes who need or want to travel quickly should use a route away from the canal.

"On busy stretches of canal or where the towpath is narrow, the safest option may be to get off your bike and walk."