Towpaths, canals and rivers

Headline Message

• Opening up towpaths and riverside paths for cycling enhances the network of motor traffic-free routes for commuting, recreation and other purposes.
• Some walkers and other users are concerned about sharing paths with cyclists, but codes of conduct on responsible cycling, together with good design, help promote harmony.

Policy Key Facts

• In England and Wales, there is no general statutory right of way over towpaths along navigable rivers or canals, but a number are public bridleways or footpaths, and others have local rights. In Scotland, cyclists have access to rivers, lochs and reservoirs, provided they respect the Outdoor Access Code. 
• Cycling is, in any case, largely welcomed alongside the canals and rivers managed by the Canal and River Trust (England and Wales) and by Scottish Canals.
• 50% of the British population lives within five miles of a towpath or river.
• The Canal and River Trust cares for around 2,000 miles of waterways in England & Wales, while Scottish Canals looks after around 137 linear miles in Scotland.

Cycling UK View

• Cycling UK 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. Cycling UK 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.

2017-04-29 00:00:00 Europe/London

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