Take it easy

THE ongoing problem between speeding cyclists and other towpath users on the Regents Canal is being highlighted next week by British Waterways.

Being National Bike Week, Monday 21st to Sunday 27th June, in a bid to educate speeding cyclists to slow down and share the towpath amicably, British Waterways is promoting a week long series of events on the capital's towpaths.

Two tings

It is working with Transport for London, running 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 (pictured)  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."

Live music

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.