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AMY DICKERSON'S idea of a national day of protest against cyclists who misuse the towpaths is excellent, writes Tony Haynes.
It is highly likely that responsible boaters all over the country would be happy to protest by partially blocking the towpath next to wherever they're moored, thus forcing the lycra louts to slow down or temporarily dismount. They could also hand out flyers giving advice on safe biking.
National attention to the dangers
It would draw national attention to the dangers of using any footpaths as speedways. Such action, throughout the country, would reach the national press and television news. It is highly likely that anglers, ramblers and dog walkers would be on board too. That could include thousands.
But who to organise it? Save Our Waterways might have led the campaign a few years ago when it was a protest organisation. Now it has gone too soft.
The National Association of Boat Owners would take too long to get it together as everything must go through the council, though they might give it support. The Inland Waterways Association wouldn't be seen dead making any kind of active protest. It has its reputation to think of.
There is a Towpath Action Group, but it is pretty inactive.
Towpath User Groups
Why don't we form TUG, Towpath User Groups, and get it going? No time-wasting constitution. No annual membership fee. Just a united commitment to slowing down towpath cyclists legally on say a particular Sunday and Monday, and to publicise the cause.
If you would like to take part, then email me your name, email address, preferred towpath location and boat name, if you have one,
To:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Let's show them that we care enough about towpath safety to do something about it. We have Health & Safety and BW byelaws on our side.
We're not aggressive anti-cyclists. We're anti aggressive cyclists.
Here are some ideas:
- SLOW DOWN, PEOPLE ABOUT
- GIVE US A BREAK, BRAKE!
- TWO TINGS MEANS 'EXCUSE ME', NOT 'OUT OF MY WAY'
- IT'S NOT A RACE. GO WALKING PACE
- DON'T BE A PEDAL VANDAL!
- WE LIKE SLOW BIKERS
- IT'S A TOWPATH, NOT A GYM
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