Cyclists

Share the Space, Drop your Pace: Our towpath code

Canals and rivers can be very lively spaces. You could see cyclists, walkers, boaters, anglers, kayakers and even horses pulling boats along the water. Our Share the Space, Drop your Pace campaign encourages everyone to be more aware when using the towpaths.

Having so many different activities taking place does mean that people need to share the space considerately. To make sure everyone gets the most out of their time by the water we asked you to help us develop a towpath code.

This is the result. It’s a common sense guide to sharing the towpath and what to expect of others.

The key three elements are:

• Share the space – towpaths are popular places to be enjoyed by everyone. Please be mindful of others, keep dogs under control and clean up after them
• Drop your pace – pedestrians have priority on our towpaths so be ready to slow down; if you're in a hurry, consider using an alternative route for your journey
• It's a special place – our waterways are a living heritage with boats, working locks and low bridges so please give way to waterway users and be extra careful where visibility is limited

We do ask cyclists to follow the towpath code which states that priority is given to the slowest user and we would ask that all cyclists read the towpath code link.

We also ask cyclists to fit a traditional bell when using the towpath. Please ring it when approaching slower moving users of the towpath giving them ample warning of your presence, especially when you are coming from behind. There are tight, narrow bridges on the canal that are potentially pinch points where users can struggle to pass without dismounting. Please take great care to ensure your safety and those of other towpath users.