narrowboatworld

I must apologize to fellow boaters for my actions yesterday (and the heading!) which might well have set back the formation of The TWATFC ( Two Wheels and Two feet club) by decades, I just couldn't help myself.

I'm pleased you included the story about the boat moored on the water tap at Cowroast for two weeks, but it's been there longer than that—a month to my knowledge.

I could certainly empathise with your recent news item about the Lagan Canal towpath.

It does appear that the closure of the Leeds  & Liverpool Canal is more extensive than first thought, not only the trans Pennine portion of the canal is closed, but the Liverpool Link and the Ribble Link are also under severe restriction, writes Frank Hurst.

Just as those who drive a motor vehicle uninsured or without an MOT would not be surprised to learn that the practice is anti social, dangerous, and costs the rest of us, the same is true of discourteous/dangerous bike riders.

It strikes me that allowing cyclists to cycle on the towpath at locks and canal bridges is rather akin to allowing them to cycle on the platform at train stations!And no one in their right mind would advocate the latter, would they?

I'm writing this from Penny Peace Cottage in our park home at Morecambe—yes, Penny Peace has been sold. After 19 years afloat, health issues have forced us eventually to go ashore.

With reference to 'British Waterways and Towpaths' article on the 9th August 2010, I would like to make suggestions as to how BW may possibly be able to not necessarily resolve, but reach some sort of amicable compromise as far as cyclists that use their towpaths are concerned.

We, like many others, have a lay-flat' water pipe stored on a reel to fill our water tank. This is more susceptible to damage than the normal garden hose.

I think BW could take a leaf out of Environment Agency's book on cycling along the Thames path. At locks it is simply banned, and the lock area including the towpath is fenced off and gated so cyclists are obliged to dismount.