Just how important is upgrading towpaths for "Cyclists"?

[Laurence Hogg]

Whats more important, dedicated enthusiasts learning about the heritage that is still extant or lycra clad cyclists with NO interest in the canals at all!

Most of the bCN has good towpaths perfectly usable for decent cycling!

 

In tonights email:

 

"

Today at 6:54 PM

BCNS WALK WITH RAY SHILL must be cancelled.

I'm sorry to inform you but CRT have informed us that as the tow path is closed for upgrading to a cycle route we will not be able to do Rays walk.

We are so sorry.

Regards

Brenda

--

The BCN Society, a Company Limited by Guarantee, is a registered charity (1091760) first formed in 1968, which exists to conserve, improve and encourage a wide range of interests in the 100 mile network of Birmingham and Black Country waterways known as the Birmingham Canal Navigations.

 

[Heffalump]

Whats more important, dedicated enthusiasts learning about the heritage that is still extant or lycra clad cyclists with NO interest in the canals at all!

Most of the bCN has good towpaths perfectly usable for decent cycling!

 

Who are we to say which is more important?

 

Who are you to assume that cyclists don't care about the canals (at all)?

 

Shall I pop down to the shops to get some salsa for the rather large chip on your shoulder?

 

Edited to add that regarding my third sentence, this is just how it comes across to me, and it could be true that Laurence is indeed, a cyclist hugger.

Edited August 3, 2015 by Heffalump

[craftycarper]

Who are we to say which is more important?

 

Who are you to assume that cyclists don't care about the canals (at all)?

 

Shall I pop down to the shops to get some salsa for the rather large chip on your shoulder?

 

Edited to add that regarding my third sentence, this is just how it comes across to me, and it could be true that Laurence is indeed, a cyclist hugger.

. What a beautiful way to soundly slap someone's ass

[Murflynn]

towpath is closed to who and what?

[cotswoldsman]

towpath is closed to who and what?

To everyone it seems. Wonder why it needs to be done in August I have no problem with upgrading the towpath but maybe some consideration could be given to the timing

[robert anthony]

I went past the workers today upgrading the towpath near Small Heath. All looks very nice, pity no one was fixing the broken lock paddle on Knowle top lock.

[Idunhoe]

I guess whoever foots the major portion of the bill for the upgrade decides what the (previously known as) towpath is designated and therefore used for. Certainly in North Staffordshire it is a combination of the county council and Sustrans

 

Edited to correct auto correct

Edited August 3, 2015 by Idunhoe

[dave moore]

I was at Alvechurch on Friday doing a lettering job and the towpath is now level, graded in grey gravel clippings, ideal for Lycra lovers to speed along. To be fair, while I was waiting for the customer to wind the boat, I took a towpath stroll to stretch my legs. An elderly cyclist approached me from behind and tinged his bell....it was no problem to step aside....would some of the mountain bike speeders have reacted similarly? Doubtful.

 

Dave

[Cheshire cat]

Maintenance cost per fisherman, per cyclist, per boater. Where does the money come from? Yes I know we are paying significant fees.

 

Once the Hatherton and Lichfield canal is restored who is going to provide the money for it's maintenance?

 

I feel a more tolerant view is required. These are assets of society as a whole. Not simply those of boaters.

[billh]

I went past the workers today upgrading the towpath near Small Heath. All looks very nice, pity no one was fixing the broken lock paddle on Knowle top lock.

Ashton Canal- marvellous towpath now if you are a cyclist. Plenty of heritage destroyed in the process. No mooring possible on about a quarter of the length of canal now- can't hammer pins in and no rings- tarmac right up to the washwall copings.

18 locks ,72 paddles (68 hydraulic) . 12 paddles not working at all, some just about working ones leaking oil into the canal. CRT management gently prodded about the situation and promised to do something-"will take months to repair". Some lame excuse about anti-social behaviour being the problem- It isn't it's a complete lack of any routine maintenance that has brought this about. Cheshire Ring broken anyway near Castlefield so in the CRT scheme of things it doesn't matter much anyway

[b0atman]

The stupidity of all this is the two cyclist calming devices that I have seen, where the path has by vandalism been diverted around them, Has had the diversion surfaced by the contractors.

Absolutely disgusted by all the speed trial times on towpath signs for cyclists and no info for boaters.

[robert anthony]

Ashton Canal- marvellous towpath now if you are a cyclist. Plenty of heritage destroyed in the process. No mooring possible on about a quarter of the length of canal now- can't hammer pins in and no rings- tarmac right up to the washwall copings.

18 locks ,72 paddles (68 hydraulic) . 12 paddles not working at all, some just about working ones leaking oil into the canal. CRT management gently prodded about the situation and promised to do something-"will take months to repair". Some lame excuse about anti-social behaviour being the problem- It isn't it's a complete lack of any routine maintenance that has brought this about. Cheshire Ring broken anyway near Castlefield so in the CRT scheme of things it doesn't matter much anyway

Saw a sign on the towpath a few miles before the upgraded towpath at Small Heath. Are you a walker, runner or cyclist? CRT want to hear your views on the towpath. No mention of boaters though...

[Victor Vectis]

pity no one was fixing the broken lock paddle on Knowle top lock.

It's been like that for 4 years at least.

 

Likewise one of the paddles at the top of Lapworth No 3 (second down flight)

 

[b0atman]

As a boater I have no problem with other Tow path users but Sustrans are giving money to CRT for race tracks is any of this money being allocated for mooring rings or speed calming devices .

[Neil2]

What interests me is why the word "cyclist" always seems to be prefaced by "lycra clad" when someone vents their displeasure at this mode of transport.

 

As a lycra wearing cyclist I take exception.

[curzons246]

lycra clad cyclists with NO interest in the canals at all!

Most of the bCN has good towpaths perfectly usable for decent cycling!

 

Having lived on the canals since 2007 during which time I have travelled to the extremities I feel I can claim to have an interest in the canals. 4 months of the year I spend in a Marina.The poor state of the footpath has a lot to do that decision. I am also a very keen cyclist who wears Lycra.

People who make sweeping statements I find have very little of value to say.

[Heffalump]

What interests me is why the word "cyclist" always seems to be prefaced by "lycra clad" when someone vents their displeasure at this mode of transport.

 

As a lycra wearing cyclist I take exception.

 

Maybe as a non-lycra wearing one I am the exception?

[Henhouse]

What interests me is why the word "cyclist" always seems to be prefaced by "lycra clad" when someone vents their displeasure at this mode of transport.

 

As a lycra wearing cyclist I take exception.

 

Straight answer to a straight question.

 

As someone who occasionally boats with friends, sometimes walks, but mostly cycles, on canals from the K&A right up to the Rochdale, and L&L, in my experience it is the Lycra Clad Taliban ( my name for them ), who are most often the type of cyclist who appear to be in a hurry just to get from A to B.

 

I can spend 5 hours doing 10 miles, simply because it is my day out, and I stop and chat with boaters, fishermen, and dog walkers.

 

After 15 years, that is MY observation, and I have tried to express it as neutrally as I can.

[GoodGurl]

They have just started in the last few weeks tarmacking and graveling the Tame Valley canal starting at the M6 bridge.

[Laurence Hogg]

 

Who are we to say which is more important?

 

Who are you to assume that cyclists don't care about the canals (at all)?

 

Shall I pop down to the shops to get some salsa for the rather large chip on your shoulder?

 

Edited to add that regarding my third sentence, this is just how it comes across to me, and it could be true that Laurence is indeed, a cyclist hugger.

 

How stupid can you be? I "learned" the BCN from my bike as a youngster. hundreds of cyclists used the BCN towpaths to go to work, that's why they remained in such good condition,

what do cyclists contribute to the CRT coffers? - bugger all!

[Neil2]

 

Straight answer to a straight question.

 

As someone who occasionally boats with friends, sometimes walks, but mostly cycles, on canals from the K&A right up to the Rochdale, and L&L, in my experience it is the Lycra Clad Taliban ( my name for them ), who are most often the type of cyclist who appear to be in a hurry just to get from A to B.

 

I can spend 5 hours doing 10 miles, simply because it is my day out, and I stop and chat with boaters, fishermen, and dog walkers.

 

After 15 years, that is MY observation, and I have tried to express it as neutrally as I can.

 

Well I tend to agree, and when I occasionally cycle on the towpath I don't tend to wear "proper" cycling gear, I go slowly and I do not use a bell, I say "excuse me" and "thank you" when I meet walkers.

 

I just don't like the generalisation/implication that all cyclists who wear lycra are inconsiderate yobbos.

 

BTW I'm old enough to remember the days well before modern fabrics and I often wonder what adjective was used when all we had was wool jerseys and shorts.

[Higgs]

lycra clad cyclists with NO interest in the canals at all!

Most of the bCN has good towpaths perfectly usable for decent cycling!

 

Having lived on the canals since 2007 during which time I have travelled to the extremities I feel I can claim to have an interest in the canals. 4 months of the year I spend in a Marina.The poor state of the footpath has a lot to do that decision. I am also a very keen cyclist who wears Lycra.

People who make sweeping statements I find have very little of value to say.

 

What do you mean by "poor state"?

Edited August 3, 2015 by Higgs

[b0atman]

And Bicycle clips Neil2

[robert anthony]

Who are we to say which is more important?

 

Who are you to assume that cyclists don't care about the canals (at all)?

 

Shall I pop down to the shops to get some salsa for the rather large chip on your shoulder?

 

Edited to add that regarding my third sentence, this is just how it comes across to me, and it could be true that Laurence is indeed, a cyclist hugger.

Maybe you'll have a different view if do buy a boat and pay a large licence fee only to be frustrated by faulty locks, canals that need dredging, frequent stoppages due to poor maintenance etc.

[curzons246]

What do you mean by "poor state"?

 

Mud is my main problem - we have two dogs - the Marina is mud free so it works for us.