Canal towpath etiquette ??!!

[Drencrom]

The secret to cycling on any pedestrian path is to consider yourself as a pedestrian, just with a set of wheels to get you between the other pedestrians. You can't expect them to give way to you all the time.

Or at all. 'Tis the pedestrians right of way after all.

 

[Lysander]

If I was one for rules, which I'm not, I point out that you aren't allowed to ride a bike on most towpaths. They are seperate and distinct from bridleways.

It's not that British Waterways are anti-cyclist (really, they arent), it's just that bikes are not really compatible.

Aye- theoretically, ye need to get a permit from BW and attach it to yer bike.........leisurely pootling is fine, just don't go all Spartacus along the towpath.

 

[Tazio]

The nearest canal path to where I live is properly paved and bikes are allowed, however on the rare occasions I use it I am shocked at the behaviour of some bike commuters. They seem to think you can go as fast as you want as long as you ring your bell occasionally. It isn't a very nice feeling when you are pootling along being polite and saying thank you etc to pedestrians and then get almost forced into the canal or nettles by some git coming straight at you full pelt.

 

[Drencrom]

The nearest canal path to where I live is properly paved and bikes are allowed, however on the rare occasions I use it I am shocked at the behaviour of some bike commuters. They seem to think you can go as fast as you want as long as you ring your bell occasionally. It isn't a very nice feeling when you are pootling along being polite and saying thank you etc to pedestrians and then get almost forced into the canal or nettles by some git coming straight at you full pelt.

Those folks are the reason the rest of us have a bad name at the moment. Commuting seems to bring out the worst in people, regardless of the mode of transport.

 

[Tazio]

Those folks are the reason the rest of us have a bad name at the moment. Commuting seems to bring out the worst in people, regardless of the mode of transport.

True, these people are bike commuters as opposed to cyclists, I very much doubt if any of them would consider the idea of getting on a bike on a day off for fun. I do both, as I'm sure a lot of people on here do.

 

[Bensherman]

We always slow right down when passing walkers, other bikes, dog walkers and anglers. Always say thank you if they pull to one side, it's a nice place to be so why not be polite?
Only ride canals on the weekend so generally no commuters but do have the local yoofs tearing around on their new fangled bicycles

 

[highlandsflyer]

The secret to cycling on any pedestrian path is to consider yourself as a pedestrian, just with a set of wheels to get you between the other pedestrians. You can't expect them to give way to you all the time.

Or at all. 'Tis the pedestrians right of way after all.

Indeed, but most people are considerate of oncoming traffic of any kind, and many do step to one side. Some out of pure kindness, some out of fear.

The towpaths are ideal cycle ways in the main, and of course many are marked as cycle ways nowadays and have guidelines painted as well as specific areas for bikes in some cases.

It is my favourite way of getting across the city.

 

[Neil G]

I commute about 20 miles on a canal towpath daily and have had some 'moments' over the past few years!

This time of year the sun really does seem to bring out the idiots. I've had holiday makers on longboats telling me to slow down while they've been on the boat lazing around (none of their business IMO) people having a go beacuse I've rang my bell TOO much and insane dogs which should be on a lead giving chase! Add to that boat owners leaving all kinds of s**t in the middle of the towpath like it's their garden then things get interesting.

Other than that most people are pretty friendly and I always try andbe a nice as possible!