The times I have cycled on the towpaths I have always slowed down and when walkers have very kindly moved I have always said thank you. The worse time was passing some people who moved over but didn't call their dogs, hense me passing and the dog just walked straight in front of my bike. I wasn't going very fast but I still nearly fell off - wasn't too pleased.
Yes you need a permit to ride on towpaths - you can download and print one off onthe inland waterways website. Not that anyone will stop you and ask for a look but you never know. I live by one of the main waterways offices so I had one just incase.
The other issue is Anglers and their stuff - why they have to have it all other the tow path - I fish and although I don't have all the equipment I do make sure that it doesn't cover the tow path. Don't fish on the canal as much as I used to as there are too many boats chugging up and down.
Quote: Originally posted by RogLozLee on 30/8/2013Yes you need a permit to ride on towpaths - you can download and print one off onthe inland waterways website. Not that anyone will stop you and ask for a look but you never know. I live by one of the main waterways offices so I had one just incase. Not any more!
...Don't fish on the canal as much as I used to as there are too many boats chugging up and down.
The current Government in a aim to save money, cut loose the British Waterways Board, which was directly funded by the Government.
And made it in to the Canal and River Trust, so they have to self Fund, but Hold the Waterways in Perpetual Trust for the Nation, exactly the same as the National Trust with their properties. The NT can only sell properties, that they have directly purchased, through their own funding, properties Gifted to them, are not legally allowed to be sold, but can be leased out.
Because both are Non Profit Stand Alone entities, they have charitable status.
The Canal and River Trust, has been slowly implementing measures, to reduce their workload, so many forms of permit, have been dropped, and blanket permission put in place.
I live near the Kennet and Avon canal and walk the dog regularly along the tow paths.
The way I see it is this: if cyclists cannot be bothered to slow down and let me know they are on their way by ringing their bells, then I shall not have time to get the dog and myself out of their way.
The tow paths are not for cyclists alone, and they should give due care and consideration to other users, like walkers with pushchairs/children/pets.
I cycle short distances with the dog on dirt tracks, and am not anti-cyclists. However, the behaviours of some cyclists really do let other cyclists down, IMHO!
DK
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I cycle along tow paths regularly on my Mountain Bike. Being a bit of a fanatic I have removed anything giving surplus weight or anything that may snag on my bike (including the bell) as I do a lot of off road riding on bridleways and other cross country tracks. I always slow down for walkers but warn them with a loud EXCUSE ME and then thank them when they let me by. I do get abuse from Fishermen occasionaly because some seem to think they can leave there stuff all accross the tow path and then seem to resent having to move things to let you go by.
Quote: Originally posted by cbreddie on 24/8/2013
When I am out for a walk with the kids on a tow path, if a cyclist comes tearing towards me and doesnt slow down, they get wet! simple as that. If they dont respect the safety of me and my kids, then I dont respect them. If they slow down to pass then we move to one side to allow them to pass.
There is enough room for everyone, provided everyone pays a little respect to everyone else
I fish the canal at Middleton and have personally washed two cyclists and one motor biker
All there needs to be is simple common sense, i've cycled both mountain and road bikes all over Europe and people react differently all over. A little bit of etiquette speaks volumes but people need to realise that tracks, trails and bridal ways are there to be shared. (Depending on the local bylaws.)
Quote: Originally posted by Hacksaw Bob on 30/8/2013
Quote: Originally posted by RogLozLee on 30/8/2013Yes you need a permit to ride on towpaths - you can download and print one off onthe inland waterways website. Not that anyone will stop you and ask for a look but you never know. I live by one of the main waterways offices so I had one just incase. Not any more!
...Don't fish on the canal as much as I used to as there are too many boats chugging up and down.
Love this statement and it reminds me of a day out with the kids on my parents canal boat (they used to live on one). We were chugging along nice and peacefully, and came across a large group of fishermen, my Dad slowed down as much as possible so as not to disturb the fish etc etc. All of the fishermen raised their rods out of the way, my Dad apologised for disturbing them and thanked each one as we passed through....except one fisherman, who left his rods out across the canal in defiance!! He then started ranting .... "what gives you the f###ing right to come along here anyway??","you have no right to use that on here, this is a private fishing area","this is for fishing only!!!"....to be honest my Dad was a little stunned, but politely explained that "the canals werent built for fishermen, they were built for canal boats many years ago".... the guys response was great...."Thats complete crap, you dont know what you are talking about"
My Dad gave him a last chance to raise his rods and laughed at him as he drove over his rods, he broke one and dragged the other into the water, The fisherman just stood and watched as his expensive gear was ruined.
------------- Never look down at anybody....
.....unless to offer a hand, to help them up
Quote: Originally posted by Paratech on 29/8/2013
When you cycle or walk in France the cyclists always ring their bells to warn other pathway users. We in England seem to think that it is an insult if you ring your bell at another pathway user.
Sadly it is the attitude of some people in the uk that no one else matters but themselves ON BIKES OR OFF. We find some 20% of people totally ignore the gentle pinging of the bell that warns of our approach so we also often call out 'we're passing on your right (or left)' depending on the obvious space. But of course in passing we always slow down.
As a rule of thumb we try to ride on the left except when overtaking just as we would on the road. If a family are approaching with children they will see us approaching on the nearside but we will change if the leading child keeps to their offside, slowly though.
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"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
Its only about having respect for others, the canals can be lovely places for riding bikes, and for leisurely walks with the kids etc. Very relaxing, as long as everyone respects everyone else. Thats just a sign of the changes in society of the last 10 years or more. Fewer people respect other peoples rights to enjoy life. Couple that with more and more stress and more and more people wanting their own bit of relaxation in their own way, and thats where the problems start.
------------- Never look down at anybody....
.....unless to offer a hand, to help them up
It used be a quiet stretch of the canal but everyone has gone canal boat crazy and the number of boats has increased. Most of which are daytripping holidaymakers who tend to aim for you on the bank! And then try and do a 3 point turn ! Very funny ...
My dad has always been very courteous toward fishermen and has on occasion been asked to stir up the water for them to get the fish out from wherever they are hiding.
------------- Never look down at anybody....
.....unless to offer a hand, to help them up
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Topic: towpath rules (cycling)
