£700,000 boost for tired towpath

“I think after reading Alberus's and Wivens comments, then logic would dictate that the watery bit is paid for by those who use it to the waterways authority. The groundy bit at the side used by all and sundry.... is it beyond the imagination that this is the reason the council have chipped in. Add to this, the requirement by government that cycle lanes should be installed wherever possible, then can we assume this is the thinking behind this project?

I find a ring on the bell, a gently but firm announcement "Coming through" and follow up with a grateful "thank you" and a "good morning/afternoon/hello" does the trick. Plenty of room on the towpath for all.

For those anti-cyclists and those who think Stoke council are wasting your money, then take a look at the cycle lane I came across while puzzling what to do in Colwyn Bay!
http://tinyurl.com/cch7b9a”

“How about putting the money for bridle paths?”

“@ Tony AC1 -who said, quote: I also find using a cycle bell makes people jump as much as just as much as respectfully passing people."

Yes, it does tend to have that effect when you 'ring your bell' -when you're already on top of them.

The idea of the bell, -cause you don't seem to get it, is to warn people of your approach. Coming like a bat out of hell and ringing your bell as you bear down on them -does have the effect of scaring 'em ****less.

And, re your observation that 'respectfully passing them' -scares them just as much, -now that is a classic oxymoron.”

“British Waterways do own the towpath and are now called the Canals and Rivers Trust, having become a charity. The idea is that the canals will become even more of an amenity for all and sundry than it is now. Everyone will be expected to chip in with their voluntary contributions to support the network. So far only boaters and fishermen pay for the privilege because they are compelled to do so. Somehow I can't see dog walkers and cyclists putting their hands in their pockets on a voluntary basis; boaters and anglers have no choice. This particular towpath had dredgings from the canal dumped on it several years ago. British Waterways hoped it would become flattened by weather, walkers and cyclists. It didn't, and remained obstinately uneven. Wouldn't you just know that old EDW has "just bought a cottage". He always comes up with some unlikely scenario with which to impress us. Hate to meet him in the pub and have my pants bored off my backside with his fantasmagorical life reminiscencies. Tony AC1...I find that ringing your bell makes things worse, the silly walkers scatter in all directions and you end up having to brake sharply to avoid 'em. Best to silently slalom round 'em dead quick like, before they wake up to what's happening.”

“I believe British Waterways do not own the towpath or take responsibility for it, so your fees to them do not pay for the towpath. That is why according to the article the council are paying for it. So therefore it is not at your expense and it is probably best to use a public thoroughfare so the public can use it.
Blocking the whole path can be a pain for a licensed, sensible, 'dumbo', commuter cyclist like myself.
I also find using a cycle bell makes people jump as much as just as much as respectfully passing people.”

“I'd quite like to see canals make a commercial comeback, actually. In other countries such as Germany and Russia canals are still a vital part of the industrial infrastructure. However I would disagree on the hierarchy of priority between those of us who pay our dues to British Waterways and those who just use a free footpath at our expense. Not that I mind people using the towpath as long as they are quiet and respectful and leave me alone, as long as they realise that I've paid for the privilege, therefore I can put my tables and chairs and fishing gear wherever I like.

I have bought a cottage, actually, next to a canal coincidentally enough; now I can indulge in both pleasures. I'm even building a little quayside.”

“The tow path is in need of serious re-engineering as once you get past the road bridge at a Barlaston it does become a swamp in places, it''s even worse the other side of Stone toward Stafford as it gets used by horses. On the subject of cyclists - I use the canal tow path, I even have a permit from Severn Trent allowing me to do so. I use a bell and I always warn dog walkers and pedestrians and I never whizz past people. I also do not cause noise as I ride a fixed gear bike that is well maintained. The canals were not put there purely for the enjoyment of retired baby boomers who can afford a boat. I could also point out that boat owners routinely obstruct the tow path with chairs tables and fishing equipment. If you want a private quiet place then buy a cottage, don't just assume that you own the water ways. There is a very good chance in coming years that as fuel goes up in cost that the canals may see a return of commerical freight. The current status of the canals is temporary, they could become much busier and you would not be able to complain.”

“I actually rather like it being relatively unused. I moor up on that stretch quite a bit as it's more private, haven't got nosey beggars staring in through my windows or dratted cyclists jangling past disturbing my solitude, and nobody walking past at night waking me up! Canals are for us people with boats, thank you very much, not pedestrians.”

“Brindley would be really pleased to know that his great civil engineering project is still so appreciated nearly 250 years on. Havens of tranquility..... excepting for those moments when a thicko ignorant cyclist whizzes past you from behind, without any warning -like a bat of of hell.... leaving your nerves jangling and far from tranquil.

Dumbos.....”

“Dirt Path your lucky, Stockton Brook to The Hollybush in Denford where I run/cycle is just mud most of the year. Such a shame as the path on either side of these points are quite good.”