Cyclists break canalside calm
I was very interested in seeing Mr P Cole's letter "Bells can't be heard" (September 13). I do agree with him up to a point. My family and I have for some years been in the habit of going for our favourite walk along the tow path, from Newbridge towards Compton in Wolverhampton.
We go there for the beauty of nature, the calm, the welcome sight of the narrowboats passing, the exchange of a few pleasant words and greetings with other people walking, either in small groups or walking their dogs. It should be a very happy time for everyone concerned.Unfortunately it is often marred by the presence of cyclists who seem to delight in arriving at some speed right behind us, indeed often without a sound. More than once I have exclaimed that no warning is given. Mr Cole tells us that warnings are useless. So he is now using a loud device.
Perhaps he could try changing places with the walkers? How would he like:
To be shocked out of his quiet walk by a loud device?
To have to step hurriedly out of the way into the brambles or nettles?
To have to step sometimes very near the edge of the canal water?
To recover from shattered nerves and fume at the complete lack of respect from some cyclists?
Franky I am amazed that people use the towpath for cycling. It's overall narrowness surely makes it unsafe, particularly where walkers are involved.
Mrs M Pelens, The Lindens, Wolverhampton.
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