'Stay Kind, Slow Down' message for towpath cyclists

Cyclists are being urged to Stay Kind, Slow Down in a new campaign by waterways and wellbeing charity Canal & River Trust.
Cyclists are being urged to Stay Kind, Slow Down in a new campaign by waterways and wellbeing charity Canal & River Trust.Cyclists are being urged to Stay Kind, Slow Down in a new campaign by waterways and wellbeing charity Canal & River Trust.
Cyclists are being urged to Stay Kind, Slow Down in a new campaign by waterways and wellbeing charity Canal & River Trust.

Stretches of canals have seen an increase in users this spring and summer during lockdown, as people stayed local and discovered these amazing wildlife corridors on their doorstep.

The Trust, which looks after 2,000 miles of the nation’s waterways, has now launched an online campaign appealing for people riding bikes on towpaths to take it easy and slow down.

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A short video and animation reminds all those visiting the nation’s canals to Stay Kind, Slow Down. The campaign will target social media posts at cyclists living in urban and busy areas along the canal network.

Dick Vincent from Canal & River Trust said: “We want people to visit the canals often, but we ask you to be considerate to boaters, families and others who are sharing the towpath.

“Unfortunately, while most people are kind and courteous, we often hear of people cycling too fast and risking causing an accident. If you're on a bike and you need to travel quickly, you should use a route away from the canal. If you’re on foot, please be aware of others who may need to pass by.

“Those on foot have priority on our towpaths and, quite simply, those on bikes who need or want to travel quickly should use a route away from the canal if they prefer not to take it slow and steady.”

For more details on the Stay Kind, Slow Down campaign, visit https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/our-campaigns/stay-kind-slow-down