Dear All,
I thought I should pass on to you what we have heard regarding use of the Basingstoke canal tow path. At the last meeting of the Basingstoke Canal Joint Management Committee one of the items was to consider the adoption of a cycling policy statement and a Towpath Users code of conduct. Speed by cyclists seems to be the main problem. They have adopted a Cycle Policy Statement and Code for Towpath users that I would like to share with you; it’s on the Basingstoke Canal page of the website. If you would like to read the whole discussion please see item 9 on the following link: https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?MId=6231&x=1
Personally I always want to remind them that the only reason we have such a good surface on the towpath is because money from Cycle England was given to Sustrans to improve the surface of the towpath and to suggest we use the roads instead is especially annoying. BUT we have to live with our neighbours so adopting the “Share the space, drop the pace” and “two tings” is a good thing. I wish the pedestrians would also remember not to walk across the whole path so no one can pass but if we are all considerate of others, this will also happen.
Public awareness campaigns to encourage cooperative shared use of towpaths seems the best way forward. So please pass this on to other cyclists you know and encourage them to Share the Space, cut the Pace.
Norman is working away on setting up regular meetings regarding cycling with WBC and SCC.
Remember to Light the Night to be seen when you are cycling.
Our last pub night of the year is Tuesday 27 November at the Sovereigns on Guildford Road.
Happy and safe cycling,
Carole Frost