Concerns about time-trials towpath upgrade
THE Canal & River Trust have plans to resurface and widen the towpath from Bathhampton to Sydney Gardens in Bath, that is used by speeding Strava time-trial cyclists. (Towpath time-trials gaining momentum).
Such is the concern of boaters in the area, that a petition has been launched and letters sent to Bath and North East Somerset Council calling for 'a far reaching public consultation about the plans to resurface and widen the towpath from Bathhampton to Sydney Gardens and to remove trees from the path that links the Grosvenor Bridge to the towpath', with Jane Samson telling:
Only views of cyclists
£675,000 has been allocated to improve conditions for cyclists on the towpath. So far, it appears that only the views of cyclists have been taken into account. There is a lack of awareness of the proposed works amongst many towpath users.
This is a much loved route for many. We are concerned about the implications for the majority of canal users who have not had an opportunity to express their views. This includes hundreds of walkers, anglers, boaters and dog walkers. Many people are worried about the potential for increased numbers of cyclists travelling at speed on the towpath. The towpath, at its widest, will be 2.5 metres. This is unlikely to be enough to make a safe, 'shared space' for all users.
Irreversible
Once the work has been done, it will be irreversible. The Canal & River Trust stress that it is crucial to have a public consultation on any new towpath design in order to avoid future conflict.
There have been comments made that there will be a Code of Conduct for cyclists. It will be difficult to ensure that is policed and adhered to.
Open and public meeting
We are calling on the council to give us an opportunity to voice our concerns in a fully open and public meeting. This meeting must be fully publicised to ensure that all parties are made aware of the date and time and nature of the meeting.
[The Strava app is regarded as a lethal ingredient in the towpath mix, is widely used and is growing fast in popularity with would-be athletes. It tracks cycle speeds via your iPhone, Android or GPS device and it analyses and compares your data against yourself, friends, and pros. You break records by cycling faster. It has now been used on the towpath between Bathampton and Sydney Gardens 5,350 times by 2,248 cyclists. Which explains the phenomenon of many angry and abusive, lycra-clad cyclists on the towpath when they are forced to slow their speed by others getting in their path. As yet no one has been killed—Editor.]