Towpaths for boaters

I BELIEVE that Mike Todd on the changing face of the towpaths has perhaps missed the point, writes James Henry.

I can understand that the towpaths were in terrible condition is the past, and he wanting them to be improved so as to be more useable, but they were there for use solely for boaters and of course horses, and not for mad cyclists to hurtle along.

No cycling

Waterways like the Bridgewater Canal recognised this and so there were 'no cycling' notices affixed to bridges along the canal, and so it was safe to walk. Also I distinctly remember that if you wanted to cycle on the Kennet & Avon towpath you had to acquire a licence, and giving a number that had to be displayed, for obvious reasons.

But now it is a free-for-all with Sustrans, the cycle people, getting in on the act and together with British Waterways and Canal & River Trust taking the towpaths away from boaters and particularly their animals giving them to cyclists.

Benefit to all

I cannot see why a licence, at even a nominal charge, cannot again be brought in, a number having to be clearly shown, for after all the cyclists know full well they can do what they want with no comeback, as they cannot be identified. If they could be, I am sure there would be a radical change that would be a benefit to all.