Cyclist kills boater's beloved kitten

A SPEEDING cyclist on the towpath of the Hertford Union Canal in East London, ran over and killed a beloved kitten belong to boater Katie Jackson, and she is attempting to get them to reduce their speeds on the towpath.

After coughing-up blood, her pet nine months old kitten, Don, died just minutes after she picked him up off the towpath after the cyclist sped away, Allan Richards tells us.

Facebook

She intends to tackle the dangers of speeding cyclists on the towpaths, first starting a debate on Facebook groups that are seen by both boaters and cyclists, with many expressing sympathy, and told the London Evening Standard: (The picture is by Katie Jackson.)

"I know it was an accident, but to hit something at such a speed as to kill it almost instantly is irresponsible cycling.

"Imagine if it had been a child that had been on the towpath.

"If you're cycling on the towpath please take your time, don't rush, don't hassle anyone to get past and look where you're going.

"Cycling fast should be reserved for the roads."

Take a different route

Canal & River Trust's Towpath Ranger, sympathised, stating:

"It was awful to hear of Don's death; the towpath is only a narrow space. Everyone using it needs to be considerate.  If you are in a hurry our message is simple—please take a different route."