Towpath safety reminder at Grand Western Canal

Visitors to the Grand Western Canal are being reminded to use the Grand Western Canal towpath safely and considerately.

The Canal always attracts extra visitors during the Summer holidays, and it is encouraging cyclists, walkers, dog walkers and anglers to obey the towpath code of conduct and share the space with other users.

The code explains the behaviour expected of all towpath users and for safety reasons, the horsedrawn barge horse has absolute priority. It also highlights that visitors are asked to care for the environment at the Canal and Country Park, and are reminded to take litter home with them.

The code of conduct has adopted the ‘two tings’ message and logo promoted by the Canal and River Trust which requests cyclists to ring their bell twice as they approach pedestrians and to pass slowly.

Cyclists must dismount and walk under the canal’s bridges where signs indicate this is required, as it is impossible to see or hear if anyone is approaching from the other side.

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Community, said: “The towpath is a shared-use right of way maintained by the Canal’s Ranger Service for everyone to enjoy. We want all visitors to make the most of the historic structures and wildlife habitats alongside the Canal so we would ask everyone to consider other users and the environment. A bit of patience and a thank-you can go a long way.”

Councillor Des Hannon, Chairman of the Canal’s Joint Advisory Committee and County Councillor for Tiverton East, said: “I walked along the towpath to the Mid Devon Show just the other day and was delighted that some cyclists used their bells. We need everyone to do this. It's simple courtesy and it keeps everyone safer. It's equally important that walkers remember bikes have a right to be on the towpath and that using their bells is a good thing. With good manners and consideration we can all enjoy the canal together.”

Councillor Ray Radford, Devon County Councillor for Willand and Uffculme and Mid Devon Councillor for Halberton, said: “It's really good that there are a variety of users making the most of the canal for all sorts of reasons, whether it be leisure, pleasure or exercise. We all need to be mindful of other users, just a polite warning when going to pass someone goes a long way. Particularly for older residents who may have walked the canal towpath all their life, to make them aware you are coming and give them time to move aside. Of course we are sorry that we are unable to use all the canal, but being patient for a few more months will see it opened to it`s former glory, or even better.”

Councillor Mel Lucas, Mid Devon District Councillor for Canonsleigh, said: “As a cyclist, and user of the Grand Western Canal, I am deeply aware of other users, and would make a plea to everyone to obey the code of conduct. For cyclists, especially at bridges and when passing pedestrians, get off, slow down and use your bell, do not use the towpath to create new world speed records. Remember that we all use the towpath for recreational purposes. Follow the code of conduct, so that we can all enjoy this wonderful asset.”

The Grand Western Canal is also supporting Devon County Council’s ‘Share this Space’ project which aims to remind people of some of the other users they may encounter on shared paths and to be polite and courteous to each other and take responsibility for their actions.

Advice for pedestrians:

Listen for "two tings" from cyclists. It is not an order for you to get out of the way. It is to make you aware that the cyclist is looking for a safe opportunity to pass.
Allow cyclists to pass as soon as it is safe.
Pedestrians are advised not to use headphones whilst walking the towpath.

Advice for cyclists:

Use a bell, giving "two tings" when approaching pedestrians, particularly when approaching from behind. If you do not have a bell, politely call out ‘excuse me’ well before you reach other users.
Pass people slowly and give people space.
Ride at a sensible speed.
Cyclists must dismount and walk under the bridges where indicated.

Advice for anglers:

Tackle must be kept off the towpath and rods must be moved when cyclists or pedestrians approach;
Anglers must move rods, umbrellas and themselves completely out of the way to the far side of the towpath if the passenger barge horse is approaching;
Please take particular care of towpath users, boaters and offside landowners when casting and take care not to cast into overhanging trees on the offside as lost tackle is a serious threat to canal wildlife.

Advice for dog walkers: