Improving towpath could increase number of dangerous, anti-social and self-centred cyclists - YEP letters

FROM: Ivan Kovacks, by email
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A couple of days ago I read with interest and concern that there were plans to improve the towpath along the canal between Shipley and Apperley Bridge (YEP, Monday August 10). One of the suggestions was to make it far easier and better for cyclists to use.

As a solo pedestrian user of the towpath I have lost count of all the walks that have been ruined by dangerous, anti-social and self-centred cyclists on the route from Apperley Bridge to the centre of Leeds.

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The Canal and River Trust (CRT), which looks after the towpath, lays down a code for the safe use of the path for cyclists and pedestrians, with this being extensively signposted to all users.

Improving towpath could increase number of dangerous, anti-social and self-centred cyclists - YEP lettersImproving towpath could increase number of dangerous, anti-social and self-centred cyclists - YEP letters
Improving towpath could increase number of dangerous, anti-social and self-centred cyclists - YEP letters
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On the best day only 25 per cent of the cyclists obeyed the code proving conclusively that most cycle users are a menace.

The CRT tell me that the largest single number of complaints from canal users are related to bad cyclists. Therefore, if this towpath improvement means an increase to poor cycling, then I’d rather not see it go ahead.

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