We are better off not being there...

[ohnovino]

The idea of the permit system is that you have to agree to all their terms before downloading it, so as well as promising to be a good boy/girl there's also a bit about not suing them if you fall in. You're also agreeing to wear a helmet at all times

TBH I slightly agree with what the guy's said - some canal towpaths are a slippy layer of smooth mud just feet away from unguarded open water, and I certainly wouldn't advise people to ride on them if/when quiet roads are an easy alternative.

 

[Moss]

Reading this thread, I'm saddened to hear that a cyclist has lost their life. An Epileptic fit can happen to anyone who may be suffering a high temperature. Some people are far more susceptable to Epileptic fits, although these can be controlled successfully with A E D's in most cases.

I'm also saddened to hear that riding a bicycle on the roads of the UK has become un-safe! I ride the roads of South Wales; and must admit, there are many dangers in doing so. The Motoring Public (those who do NOT cycle) have been given a licence to travel in; and use a Leathal Weapon on our highways. Their Vehicles!

I would like to see far more "PUBLIC INFORMATION & PUBLIC AWARENESS AD'S TELEVISED FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL CYCLISTS" Perhaps that would draw attention to the dangers a cyclist faces when riding a road bicycle; and make the average motorist think a little more of the consequences of their actions.

I'm surprised that the CTC and other cycling organisations, have not pushed the Government and the Media to run a Televised Cycling Public Information Broadcast on a regular basis? Would certainly help keep us safer while out on our bicycles.

Just a thought! A little more care can save lives!

M

 

[wiggydiggy]

The idea of the permit system is that you have to agree to all their terms before downloading it, so as well as promising to be a good boy/girl there's also a bit about not suing them if you fall in. You're also agreeing to wear a helmet at all times

TBH I slightly agree with what the guy's said - some canal towpaths are a slippy layer of smooth mud just feet away from unguarded open water, and I certainly wouldn't advise people to ride on them if/when quiet roads are an easy alternative.

Only a small amount of slightly surely? He said this:

"Canal towpaths may seem like good places to cycle but they are littered with hazards and obstructions which make them a biker's nightmare. "
He believes people should ride on quiet roads rather than canalside routes to avoid problems including narrow tracks, potholes, low bridges and slippery conditions where a fall from a bike can end in serious injury. "

Its bit scaremongering to be honest especially when you consider this is from the 'Aire Valley Cycle Route' leaflet

"The National Cycle Network is a comprehensive network of safe and attractive routes to cycle throughout the UK." and "The Aire Valley Towpath Route provides a wonderful opportunity to explore part of the longest canal in Britain."

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/assets/files/leaflets/AIRE VALLEY.pdf

 

[jowwy]

Being an ex employee of BW in the monmouthshire and brecon canal in south wales i used to regularly give cycling permits out and our supervisors did ask cyclists if they had them especially in the winter months. Some parts of the mon and brec are still not permitted for cyclists due to bank erossion and thus are not safe for cycling on.

 

[ohnovino]

"Canal towpaths may seem like good places to cycle but they are sometimes littered with hazards and obstructions which make them a biker's nightmare. "
He believes people should ride consider riding on quiet roads rather than canalside routes to avoid problems including narrow tracks, potholes, low bridges and slippery conditions where a fall from a bike can end in serious injury. "

With the above edits I think that would be a fair comment. There are plenty of safe canal towpaths, and so warning people off all of them is scaremongering. But I know from experience that a minority are not fit for cycling on.

I can think of a few where it appears councils have decided "let's not spend money with making roads safer for cyclists, we can just put up signs directing them onto the canal", despite the fact the "towpaths" are foot-wide muddy strips right next to the water.

 

[wiggydiggy]

Being an ex employee of BW in the monmouthshire and brecon canal in south wales i used to regularly give cycling permits out and our supervisors did ask cyclists if they had them especially in the winter months. Some parts of the mon and brec are still not permitted for cyclists due to bank erossion and thus are not safe for cycling on.

Oh yes, theres a link on the BW website listing all the areas not suitable. I'd love to try the Huddersfield Narrow but its unfortunately not permitted.

With the above edits I think that would be a fair comment. There are plenty of safe canal towpaths, and so warning people off all of them is scaremongering. But I know from experience that a minority are not fit for cycling on.

I can think of a few where it appears councils have decided "let's not spend money with making roads safer for cyclists, we can just put up signs directing them onto the canal", despite the fact the "towpaths" are foot-wide muddy strips right next to the water.

Well yes it would but thats not what he said, even though you know and I know that there are plenty of suitable canals its just annoying that a so called 'expert' has made out the creature from the black lagoon will jump out and eat you if you go near a canal

As for councils providing unsuitable cycling facilities well I think we all know examples of that!