Cyclists looking to emulate the exploits of British rider Chris Froome who won the Tour de France earlier this week are being urged to exercise greater caution when making use of traffic free paths.

Sustainable transport charity Sustrans says that irresponsible behaviour by a small minority of cyclists can be unsettling for pedestrians. It added that smartphone applications that encourage cyclists to race each other virtually should do more to highlight certain routes that are inappropriate for riding at speed.

“Traffic free walking and cycling paths are not the place for reckless cycling speed demons,” said the charity’s chief executive Malcolm Shepherd. “Anti social behaviour of a very small number of cyclists is making everyone feel less safe. As we continue to campaign for greater respect on our roads, it is vital those of us using bikes give respect to everyone and slow down on walking and cycling paths.”

In London the Mayor’s cycling commissioner Andrew Gilligan is working with the Canal & River Trust to make canal towpaths more suitable for shared use. “We recognise that in some areas like stretches of the Regent’s Canal, capacity is limited at busy times,” he said. “Where there is opportunity we want to develop ‘Quietway’ routes.”

Canal & River Trust's London Waterways Partnership chairman Brian Fender added: “Towpaths are shared spaces with many different users and have to be treated carefully. Cycling will only be promoted where suitable.”

(Photo: Oliver Dixon)

To return to the newsletter, please close this window.