Towpaths, canals and rivers
Towpath
CTC View (formal statement of CTC's policy):
- CTC welcomes the decision by the Canal and River Trust to allow considerate cyclists to ride along most of the length of its towpaths. These routes are a valuable motor traffic-free facility both for utility and recreational cycling, and national and local government should view them as an important part of the strategic transport network.
- Codes of conduct help promote courtesy and understanding between users.
- There is little evidence to support the view that cycling on towpaths creates excessive hazards to walkers or to cyclists themselves.
- All towpaths should remain open to cyclists along their entire length, unless there are insuperable safety issues that can only be avoided with restrictions.
- There should be no need to apply for a permit or be charged for cycling along a towpath. CTC therefore strongly welcomes the Trust’s decision to allow cyclists to use its towpaths without permits.
- To help facilitate cycling, towpaths and river paths should have good surfacing and drainage.
- There is little evidence to support the view that cycling is any more damaging to towpaths or river paths than walking.
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Publication Date:
July 2012