Disgruntled cyclists today vented their fury at not being able to ride along canal towpaths in Stourbridge because of barriers designed to keep motorcyclists off the routes.
Some of the paths around the town’s canal are protected by up to six barriers – aimed at keeping motorcyclists out.
But the barriers’ presence makes it almost impossible for some cyclists – especially those who ride adapted bikes like tandems or handle bikes – to access the paths.
Riders staged a demonstration by the Wollaston Road bridge on Stourbridge Canal to highlight their plight.
Members of Stourbridge Bicycle User Group, Stourbug, and Dudley Friends of the Earth are appealing for an alternative solution that would protect the paths while allowing them to enjoy the picturesque routes.
Russell Eden, Stourbug founder, says the towpath between Stourbridge and Wordsley is only just over a mile long yet the route is home to six barriers.
It is one of Dudley Council’s primary cycle routes but Mr Eden says most Stourbug members avoid it.
“I’m not convinced that motorbikes on the towpath are any more prevalent than elephants in my garden,” he said. “But if they do appear, we have a police force in place with the necessary powers to confiscate.”
5 Comments
Hmmm,all the canals in around Wolverhampton city have them. They are a nuisance.
Isn’t there a better way?
All the canals in Wolverhampton City have gangs of drunks lurking around. They are much more worrying that a couple of barriers.
There is a much simpler way. Put the barriers at the entrance to the tow-path instead of on the tow-path (reduces number of barriers) and have working RADAR keyed gates along the entire length for people who need them (currently in existence at one end but not the other).
This would be much easier for many cyclists and people in wheelchairs.
I agree that the barriers are an absolute pest. As for the gangs of drunks lurking around (LL38 comment)the barriers would then make cyclists much more vunerable to attack as they have to dismount to get through the barriers. I don’t use the caal towpath at all in Stourbridge because of the barriers. I perfer the roads.
i am a cyclist maybe a purist and i do not believe in to much traffic along the canal they are afterall foot or towpaths not cycling networks as i live right on the canal i used to like having a canal walk on the weekend however SOME cyclists do not take into the consideration of pedestrians which i find offensive especially when they come surging up behind you expecting you to move ….if i had my way i would ban cycles altogether ,fisherman also suffer abuse off cyclists and they have more rights to be there because they have to spend money on a licence every year however this is only in some cases. there are plenty of roads to be ridden so please use them.