These canals form attractive and direct cycle routes,
avoiding all motor traffic and passing through remarkably green
and tranquil surroundings.
Cycling organizations, local authorities and British Waterways
are seeking to improve conditions for cycling along these canals,
as well as access to them.
For further information about the canals, including those outside London,
please refer to www.waterscape.com
The Grand Union Canal
The main section of the Grand Union Canal runs from
Brentford in London to Birmingham and is 134 miles long. The
Paddington Branch joins it near Hayes in Middlesex.
The most convenient way of joining the canal is from the path
through the open space at the western end of Delamere Terrace.
Unfortunately, Delamere Terrace (pictured here) and Blomfield
Road are one-way towards the west. As part of the London Greenways project, a Cycle Route Implementation and
Stakeholder Plan, published in January 2010 recommended contraflow cycling in Blomfield
Road and a shared-use path along Delamere Terrace, so as to allow two-way access
to the canal. Westminster is currently preparing to allow eastbound cycling
along Delamere Terrace. But Blomfield Road is not yet on the agenda.
The Regent's Canal
The Regent's Canal connects Paddington to Limehouse Basin in London's
Docklands via Camden, Islington, Hackney and Mile End. The
Westminster section runs around the north side of Regent's Park,
opposite the zoo.
The canal runs through a tunnel between Edgware Road and
Lisson Grove. This can be avoided by using Blomfield Road,
Aberdeen Place, Lyons Place, Fisherton Street and Frampton Street.
The easiest way to reach the towing path from Lisson Grove is via
the path through the Lisson Green Estate along the south side of
the canal (see picture) and a footbridge just to the west of the
railway lines.
To improve the safety for towpath users in
Central London, British Waterways London has been working in partnership with
Transport for London to make the towpaths safer and more accessible to the
thousands of people who use them every day for walking, cycling, jogging and
boating.
Following advice from independent experts and liaison with local user groups,
a series of physical towpath safety improvements between Old Ford Lock and
Camden Town were completed at the end of April 2007 and a new Code
of Conduct for all towpath users is currently being promoted.
Code of Conduct for Cyclists
Ring with Two Tings
Use a bell, giving Two Tings when approaching pedestrians.
Ringing with Two Tings is not an order to pedestrians to get out of your way.
Be aware that some pedestrians may have visual or hearing impairments
and might not hear your Two Tings.
Pass people slowly. Give people space
Slow down when approaching pedestrians and only pass when it is safe to do so.
Extra care should be taken when passing children, less able people and animals.
Try to pass on the water side of the path. Pedestrians will tend to move to
the back edge of the towpath to allow you to pass.
Be patient and courteous to pedestrians. Saying "thank you" to pedestrians
who move to let you pass will make them more likely to move next time.
Ride at a sensible speed
The towpath is never suitable for cycling fast as there are many other users,
low bridges and narrow sections. If you are in a hurry, use an alternative route.
Don't let this happen to you!
Code of Conduct for Pedestrians
Listen for Two Tings
Two Tings is not an order for you to move out of the way. It is to make you aware
that cyclists are looking for a safe opportunity to pass.
We advise you not to use headphones at peak times so you can hear a cyclist’s Two Tings.
Allow cyclists to pass
Allow cyclists to pass you when it is safe. Remember that cyclists need room to brake and stop.
If a cyclist stops or waits for you to pass, thank them and they will be more likely to stop next time.
Dog walkers
Please clear up after your dog, keep your dog under control at all times
and don’t allow your dog to swim in the water.
Code of conduct for all users
Pedestrians have priority over cyclists on the towpath
Considerate cycling is permitted,
provided this code of conduct is followed.
Give way to oncoming users at bridges
Give way to other users who have already started their passage.
Some bridges have poor visibility so check (using the mirrors, if available)
that someone isn’t already coming through.
Cyclists should slow down, ring with Two Tings and let other users through
the bridge before continuing. Never pass a pedestrian or another cyclist
underneath a bridge – there is not room to do so safely.
Pedestrians should listen for the Two Tings warning from cyclists.
Be extra careful at bends and entrances
Cyclists should be prepared to slow down, stop or dismount, if necessary.
Consider other users and the local environment
Earphones / headphones should not be worn, particularly at peak times,
to enable users to hear warnings from others.
The waterways and towpaths have many important wildlife habitats
and historic structures for people to enjoy.
Reporting incidents and maintainance
British Waterways London strives to provide a safe environment for
everyone who uses and visits its canals and rivers. If you are involved
in an incident please report it by
filling in the form online
or by telephone on 020 7985 7200.
Freepost forms are also available on request.
If you come across instances where maintenance is required,
please contact British Waterways London by telephone or
email,
giving details and the location of the problem.
To improve the safety for towpath users in
Central London, British Waterways London has been working in partnership with
Transport for London to make the towpaths safer and more accessible to the
thousands of people who use them every day for walking, cycling, jogging and
boating.
