Canal Path Etiquette

[Tonberry]

This extends to more that just canal tow paths but we'll start here first.

Just came back in from a circa 15 mile ride, just exploring the local canals.

On the way back I had a couple of comments from people out walking that I should dismount when passing pedestrians or that I should get a bell.

I thought both comments unfair as I am a very considerate cyclist, especially when cycling near other people.

When passing people from beind I will announce my presence by speaking in a loud and clear voice and saying something along the lines of, 'Excuse me. Cyclist passing on your left/right'. Once past safely I will thank them.

For some reason this doesn't seem to be enough for most people as they will either ignore me, look at me whilst zig zagging across the path or a combination of both.

I should add that whenever I pass people walking I slow down to match their speed and literally crawl past them to void startling them.

The same problem is encountered when approaching people coming towards you who can clearly see you but again make no attempts to adjust their positions.

When necessary I will stop and dismount from my bike to let others past as you would, but receive not even an utterance of appreciation or thanks.

Unfortunately I even encounter similar from other cyclists. 9 times out of ten I am the one making adjustments to my position whilst they continue to bulldoze along. I have no problem with dismounting when the path isn't wide enough but it would be nice to receive a thank you or even just a nod.

I don't see the point in re-fitting the bell to my bike as if anything, most people see this as an act of agression. People also feel the need to scatter across the path instead of just staying to one side so I can navigate around them.

What am I doing wrong?

[caiss4]

It's for these reasons I tend to avoid tow paths! Although in my experience the problems are with other cyclists, not pedestrians.

I have kept the bell on my bike as I find that one loud clear ring gives early warning to many - pedestrains, horse-riders and cyclists without being aggressive.

I always thank people for moving to one side and I've never received any 'looks' or comments about my presence.

Other occasional cyclists are, however, a problem. I think it must be the proximity to the canal edge makes them freeze and refuse to move over or even stop. Recently, along the K&A in Bradford on Avon I met a group of cyclists coming the opposite way - 2 guys and 1 girl. The guy at the front moved to my left (I would have expected normal road rules and forhim to go right but that was towards the canal edge), the girl stayed steadfastly in the middle and the guy behind pulled over to my left and stopped. As a result I had to dive to my right narrowly avoiding an early bath. And to cap it off this was met with some comments from the girl that I should have stopped for them!

I think generally your approach is proper and correct.

[Gizmo!]

I once had a head-on crash on a narrow towpath; tubby lad coming the other way had his head down and wasn't looking, ploughed straight into me.

I have a bell and use it, a couple of dings in good time. Anyone offended by it needs to look at themselves IMO.

[timbo48]

Probably the cyclists "bulldozing along" that have annoyed the walkers, hence the looks you've been getting. You haven't done anything wrong, it's just that we all get tarred with the same brush. As for bells, I've used one occasionaly and sometimes it's taken in the spirit intended, other times not. Basically, you just can't win. Don't let it put you off.

[Saddle bum]

In lieu of having a bell, just yell, "Ding a *******ing ling". It works for me.

As for people being difficult - it is a national trait. Combined with the almost universal hatred of cyclists, problems will inevitably happen.

Bell? Does an F1 car have a horn/hooter?

[Engineer1]

Go on the British waterways site, officially you need to download a permit which tells you what the etiquette is, riding canals without a bell can be a real pain as our local canals have some blind or narrow sections where a bell ring gives enough warning to avoid a head on.

[john_p]

Nah, fit the bell.

I've discovered that whenever I shout "excuse me" or "passing to your left" or whatever, people stand their ground and look all confused, whereas if I ring the bell (twice, as recommended by British Waterways) they usually look behind and step out of the way.

http://www.waterscape.com/canals-and-rivers/regent...

Helps everyone get on a bit better.

I have also found that other cyclists on the canal are hopeless ! I've ended up pushed into the hedge, or having to stop near the waters edge far too much. I try to keep to the left as on a road, but some people stick bang in the middle.

[Gizmo!]

john_p said:

I have also found that other cyclists on the canal are hopeless ! I've ended up pushed into the hedge, or having to stop near the waters edge far too much. I try to keep to the left as on a road, but some people stick bang in the middle.

people worry about fallin in the water...

[Tonberry]

Thanks for the comments - I'll refit the bell.

Not sure why people worry about falling into the canal though. As along as you can ride in a straight line it shouldn't be an issue.

If the canal stone edge is muddy or wet which may increase th risk of slipping, just stop and wait till you pass each other.

I suppose it's like drivers who feel the need to leave 5 metres when passing parked cars as if they'll suddenly jump out at them.

[Miguel Alvarez]

I keep to the left when passing other cyclists and if they're being pig headed about it I'll just stop on the left and they have to go to the right.

For pedestrians I just say excuse me and thank you as I pass.

[Fetchez la vache]

Tonberry said:

Unfortunately I even encounter similar from other cyclists. 9 times out of ten I am the one making adjustments to my position whilst they continue to bulldoze along. I have no problem with dismounting when the path isn't wide enough but it would be nice to receive a thank you or even just a nod.

...and we wonder why cyclists get a bad name. Maybe it's because there are many of our brethren who are unfortunately tossers. Arguably more than the norm.
Of course maybe just society is going downhill in general

Tonberry said:

What am I doing wrong?

Nothing as far as I can see.

[Kermit power]

Is this just a tow path thing? I've never experienced this sort of problem on normal bridleways and other shared use paths, but I've never ridden on a tow path.

[aka_kerrly]

This winds me up to. I cannot understand people who have spotted you some 20-30m away and yet make no effort to try and get out the way or even get into single file until you are 2m away from them an inches away from either the hedge or the bank.

Sometimes I do feel that as a cyclist there is no where for you to go, there always seem to be people who will whine if you are on the pavement, a track, a road, a field, it's getting silly.

[R.P.M]

who needs a bell with a hope rear hub. A few back pedals usually does the trick.

[Kermit power]

R.P.M said:

who needs a bell with a hope rear hub. A few back pedals usually does the trick.