Towpaths way below mixed-use track width

SUSTRANS, the people promoting the change of use of towpaths into cycle tracks give the specifications of a mix-use track by waterways, yet upgraded towpaths fall way below the width required.

The specification for a 'regenerated' towpath for mixed use is given as a margin of 1.2 metres by the waterway, for boaters and mooring, and anglers; then 2 metres of  metallised surface for bikers/walkers and finally 0.5 metres clearance before the boundary fence/hedge.

Over 12 feet

That means a total of 3.7m in total.  Just over 12 feet. How much of the system has a 12 feet wide towpath?

The photograph above shows a four feet towpath on the Regents Canal, with mooring bollards right at its edge.  The one by the side shows the new mixed-use towpath by the development by Big Lock in Middlewich, with none of its widths meeting the published requirements.

The system that is being used is simply to lay a track of tarmac over the old towpath, with no regard whatsoever of having a 12 feet safe width.  It is only at the odd honey-pot site where this has been applied.

Great deal of trouble

As more and more towpaths are being converted to mix use, with little regard to safety, many can see there being a great deal of trouble in the form of cyclists versus  boaters + fishermen + walkers in the not too distant future.

Most of the Trent & Mersey Canal towpath in Stoke has been upgraded for multi-use, as shown above, which was where our Ralph Freeman was hit by a speeding cyclist.  But again they are nowhere near the published requirements.

Legal action against British Waterways is in no doubt, as it is allowing its towpaths to be upgraded for multi-use, ignoring the 12 feet safety specification.