Educating cyclists

Published: Thursday, 30 September 2010

THE latest attempt to control cyclists on the towpaths is British Waterways teaming up with etiquette experts Debrett's in a bid to educate towpath users about how to share towpaths canals politely.

This week British Waterways hosted a Victorian Etiquette Extravaganza on the towpath of the Regent's Canal to promote the Debrett's polite code of conduct to commuters.

It's hoped that by reminding people how to behave on the towpath, collisions and clashes on the canal can be replaced by the tinging of cycle bells, and the sound of Londoner's bidding a good morning with a thank you and a smile to their fellow towpath commuters.

British Waterways' Towpath Ranger, Joseph Young, explained:

"In most instances pedestrians and cyclists share the towpath with no problems, but we are seeing an increase in the number of speeding cyclists, who seem to forget, or aren't aware, that pedestrians do have right of way. Sometimes cyclists can forget how fast and threatening they can be if they are passing you at speed.

Debrett's, the modern authority on all matters of etiquette, taste and achievement, offer advice about how to behave on all modes of transport. It has identified five top tips to help Londoner's travel the towpaths safely and politely.

Debrett's top tips for safe, shared towpath use are:
  • Cyclists must be aware of pedestrians at all times. Remember that pedestrians have priority—ring two tings on your bell to warn them that you are approaching. Pass people carefully and slowly, and never cycle too quickly.

  • Pedestrians should allow cyclists to pass wherever possible. Don't forget to listen out for the two tings warning you that a cyclist is approaching.

  • Both cyclists and pedestrians should be considerate to each other, as well as both being extra careful at bends and entrances along the towpath. A smile and polite ‘thank you' is courteous if someone has let you pass.

Poll of users

The Victorian themed etiquette event was decided upon after a poll of towpath users highlighted that people thought the most polite era in British history was during the reign of Queen Victoria.

Towpath Ranger, Joseph Young explains:

"We've tried a whole host of methods to educate people about sharing the towpath, and rather than just shout at people to slow down or hand them a leaflet, we've found that capturing people's imagination works best. Something creative on the towpath like a group of Victorian gentlemen riding penny farthings makes people stop, smile and then think about what we're asking them to do."