The Canal & River Trust has launched an online campaign appealing for people riding bikes on towpaths to “take it easy” and slow down.
Photo © Canal & River Trust
A short video and animation has been produced to remind those visiting the nation’s canals to “Stay Kind, Slow Down”.
The campaign will target social media posts at cyclists living in urban and busy areas along the canal network.
Dick Vincent, from the Canal & River Trust, said: “We know that the canals played a really important role this spring and summer during lockdown, particularly in urban areas where many people don’t have back gardens, as people stayed local and discovered these amazing wildlife corridors on their doorstep.
“We want people to visit, including cyclists, but ask them to be considerate to pedestrians, boaters, families and others using the towpath.
“Unfortunately, whilst most people are kind and courteous, we too often hear of people cycling too fast.
“Those on foot have priority on our towpaths and, quite simply, those on bikes who need or want to travel quickly should use a route away from the canal if they prefer not to take it slow and steady.”
Dick continues: “We welcome cycling on canal towpaths. They remain one of the safest traffic-free places to travel but they can be narrow and popular with others on foot, so it is not a place to travel quickly. We are urging people to ‘Stay Kind Slow Down’.
“We want people to cycle safely so they cause no harm to themselves or others. Pedestrians and those accessing the water have priority so if you’re in a hurry, then a route away from the towpath will be more appropriate.”
