Cyclists urged to take it easy on the towpath
15 June 2010
British Waterways is delivering a week long series of events on the capital’s towpaths during National Bike Week, Monday 21 to Sunday 27 June, in a bid to educate speeding cyclists to slow down and share the towpath amicably.
British Waterways, working with Transport for London, runs the Two Tings campaign that aims to tackle the issue of conflict between speeding cyclists and pedestrians, who have right of way on the towpath.
The campaign was started over three years ago following an increase in the number of complaints received about incidents of conflict on the towpath between cyclists and pedestrians. Cycling, walking to work and free outdoor exercise have all seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and the towpaths, as traffic-free, green routes through the city, have, in-turn, seen an increase in the number of users enjoying the scenic, and normally tranquil waterside routes.
British Waterways’ Towpath Ranger, Joseph Young explains: “The canals in London are brilliant routes across the city, without the usual hassles of cars, traffic lights and pollution. There’s a towpath Code of Conduct, which advocates common sense and courtesy that we expect users to abide by to make sure everyone enjoys their time by the water.
“Unfortunately a minority of speeding cyclists give the majority a bad name with other users, particularly pedestrians. We run education and safety events on the towpath at peak commuter hours to remind all users of the towpath Code of Conduct.”
Throughout National Bike Week, British Waterways’ Towpath Rangers are running a series of events from live music to gallery rides and towpath information events, to help remind people about the need to share the towpath and travel safely with consideration for others.
The culmination of the week’s events is a boat tour, with bikes allowed on-board, through the Islington Tunnel. Cyclists and pedestrians normally have to follow an above-ground route over the tunnel, so these trips offer canal users the chance to get a rare glimpse of the inside of the tunnel from the water.
Joseph Young adds: “We think that fun, sociable events on the towpath reminding people to slow down, look out for their fellow commuters and remember that pedestrians have the right of way are more effective than us shouting at people to slow down.
“More and more cyclists are remembering to slow down, ting their bells to warn pedestrians they are approaching and generally using the towpaths sensibly. It would be great to see a bit of self-policing with other users reminding those who give them a bad name to slow down or use an alternative route that’s better for travelling at speed.”
ENDS
For more press information contact:
gill.owen@britishwaterways.co.uk t 020 7985 7227 m 07733124580
Notes to editors:
British Waterways cares for Britain’s 200-year old network of historic canals, rivers and docks, which attract over 13 million people each year for walking, cycling, angling, boating or simply the peace and quiet. We wish to establish a ‘national trust’ for the waterways in order to secure the network for future generations and to give local people a greater say in how they are run. www.britishwaterways.co.uk
British Waterways’ Bike Week 2010 programme of activities:
Monday 21 June, 4.30-7pm – Live music by the River Rat Pack
Cyclists and pedestrians welcome! Come and enjoy live music played from the roof of the River Rat Pack boat, on the towpath outside the Palm Tree Pub in Mile End Park.
Tuesday 22 June, 6.45-8.30pm – Great Houses & Lock Keepers Cottages Bike Tour
Meet at Osterley underground station with your bike. The 8-mile ride will be sociable, flat and mainly off road with engaging historic interest.
Wednesday 23 June, 7.30-9.30am – Two Tings Towpath Event
Meet London’s Towpath Rangers at Hawley Lock, Camden. Come along to help promote safe shared use of the towpath, and get a free bike safety check. Free tea, coffee and refreshments too!
Thursday 24 June, 5.30-6.30pm – City Road Lock to Victoria Park Parallel Route Guide
Do you cycle the Regent’s Canal as part of your daily commute? Are you tired of dodging pedestrians and other cyclists and slowing down at bridges? Did you know there is a quicker and easier way? The Towpath Rangers will be leading a ride along the proposed parallel on-road route. Come and see how easy your commute could be. Meet at City Road Lock, Islington with your bike.
Saturday 26 June, 12-3pm – Art Gallery Bike Tour
Meet at City Road Lock, Islington with your bike and join a cultural tour of hidden art galleries on or beside the canal in Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets. Get a glimpse of our thriving local art scene and grab a bite to eat at popular Broadway Market.
Sunday 27 June, 12 noon & 2pm – Islington Tunnel Boat Tour
Be one of the select few cyclists or pedestrians to enter the historic Islington Tunnel! Travel through time on a narrow boat and hear the forgotten story of this remarkable London landmark. Boat tour leaves the London Canal Museum in King’s Cross at 12 noon, and City Road Lock in Islington at 2pm. Booking essential, please contact Brian Smith at British Waterways on 07710 175 433 or brian.smith@britishwaterways.co.uk. Bikes permitted.
For more information about any of these events visit www.waterscape.com/twotings or contact Towpath Ranger, Joseph Young on 07899 837612 or email joseph.young@britishwaterways.co.uk.
Towpath Code of Conduct for all users
Pedestrians have priority over cyclists on the towpath.
Considerate cycling permitted providing this code of conduct is followed.
Give way to oncoming users at bridges
Some bridges have poor visibility so check (using the mirrors if available) that someone isn’t already coming through.
Cyclists should slow down, ring with Two Tings and let other users through the bridge before continuing. Never pass a pedestrian or another cyclist underneath a bridge - there is not room to do so safely.
Pedestrians should listen out for the Two Tings warning from cyclists.
Please note cyclists no longer have to dismount to go under a bridge.
Be extra careful at bends and entrances
Cyclists, be prepared to slow down, stop, or dismount if necessary.
Consider other users and the local environment
The waterways and towpaths have many historic structures and important wildlife habitats for people to enjoy.
Code of Conduct for Cyclists
Ring with Two Tings
Use a bell, giving Two Tings when approaching pedestrians. Ringing with Two Tings is not an order to pedestrians to get out of your way.
Be aware that some pedestrians may have visual or hearing impairments and might not hear your Two Tings.
Pass people slowly. Give people space
Slow down when approaching pedestrians and only pass when it is safe to do so. Extra care should be taken when passing children, less able people and animals.
Try to pass on the water side of the path. Pedestrians will tend to move to the back edge of the towpath to allow you to pass.
Be patient and courteous to pedestrians. Saying “thank you” to pedestrians who move to let you pass will make them more likely to move next time.
Ride at a sensible speed
The towpath is never suitable for cycling fast as there are many other users, low bridges and narrow sections. If you are in a hurry, use an alternative route.
Code of Conduct for Pedestrians
Listen for Two Tings
Two Tings is not an order for you to move out of the way. It is to make you aware that cyclists are looking for a safe opportunity to pass. We advise you not to use headphones at peak times so you can hear a cyclist’s Two Tings.
Allow cyclists to pass
Allow cyclists to pass you when it is safe. Remember that cyclists need room to brake and stop. If a cyclist stops or waits for you to pass, thank them and they will be more likely to stop next time.