Published: 25 November, 2011

• WE thought it would be useful to provide an update on the work being done by British Waterways and other groups to resolve the issue of over-congestion on Regent’s Canal towpath.

The absence of high quality, east-west cycle routes means the towpath is being subjected to enormous and unsustainable pressure.

British Waterways, Islington Council, Islington Living Streets, Islington Cyclists Action Group, Hanover Primary School, Friends of Regent’s Canal, councillors and residents are working together to develop towpath improvements.

More importantly, we are all encouraging the local boroughs and Transport for London to provide safer and more attractive alternative route options for cyclists.

It is understood by all that co-operative working with local councils will be required to improve the parallel route options to a point where they are an acceptable alternative, and that British Waterways cannot achieve this alone.

Most towpath users agree that cycle bells used courteously provide a vital early warning to pedestrians that a cyclist is approaching and wishes to pass. The inconsiderate behaviour of some users will continue to be addressed.

We will continue to promote the provision of parallel routes – alternative cycling routes through Camden, Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlets – so that cyclists have a greater choice of safer, fit-for-purpose routes.

To those towpath users who appear in a hurry or behave inconsiderately or irresponsibly towards other users our message is simple – please find another route as the towpath is not appropriate for your journey.

CLLR MARTIN KLUTE
Friends of Regent’s Canal,
Islington Cyclists Action Group, British Waterways, Hanover School,
Islington Living Streets