Forum Topic

Thames path closure to Runners & Cyclists

I Think the Thames Path runs on Fulham side of the River.This  probably means they will all come along the Towpath instead, avoid at all costs😩

Vic Condon ● 2251d34 Comments

I don't like those sticky out bits in the road.

David Ainsworth ● 2248d

Chariots of doom ... speeding motorcyclists getting too close to the ultimate limit in Putney Bridge Road ...https://flic.kr/p/2iPXEnB

Michael Ixer ● 2248d

Chariots of doom ... speeding motorcyclists getting too close to the ultimate limit in Putney Bridge Road ...https://flic.kr/p/2iPXEnB

Michael Ixer ● 2248d

Windows 7 laptop, I guess. 2nd (at least) hand. Spellcheck software recommended by Dr Thamuel Johnthon.

David Ainsworth ● 2248d

How did you get that past the spellcheck??

Jonathan Callaway ● 2248d

A myth ith ath good ath a mile.

David Ainsworth ● 2248d

Spare a thought for the mad motor cyclists who are using the extra space on the roads to worst effect. If they don’t hit you they might just deafen you.  Most cyclists are fine but of course there are some racers. Never seen them race on the footpaths though. Could that just be an urban myth?

Jonathan Callaway ● 2248d

We are still having to put up with the usual behaviour of a minority of cyclists cycling on paths and going through red lights.Unfortunately this ignorant behaviour will never change.

Mike Essam ● 2248d

Wandsworth of course is doing nothing like this. If you would like them to take action sign this petition - https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/wandsworth-council-make-pedestrians-a-priority-on-residential-streets

Ruth Pates ● 2248d

Progressive cities worldwide (and London’s borough of Hackney) are putting in temporary measures to allocate road space to pedestrians and cyclists during COVID-19. These changes could be made permanent if well received https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/11/world-cities-turn-their-streets-over-to-walkers-and-cyclists

Ruth Pates ● 2248d

The main story on the Daily Mail at the moment includes a picture of the "towpath" in our very own Putney (currently pic 12 of 72). I think the journalist did it to wind up Clifford.

John Geoffries ● 2248d

Craig I don't know where you are but where I am on Upper Richmond Road it's been very quiet. And yes, I agree with you, other than driving to a supermarket I have no idea why anyone needs to be out in their car.

Lucille Grant ● 2249d

A bit too early for me!  I love blackbirds but there’s one who is getting just a little too shouty for me.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2249d

"I had forgotten how early the dawn chorus starts!"When's that then?

David Ainsworth ● 2249d

Nordic walking doesn’t need snow, just two poles with pointy ends. It’s a very good way to take exercise (I am told). With so little traffic on the side roads at least I am really enjoying how people - whether on foot, on bikes or on scooters - are taking back the streets. I think we’re all enjoying the peace and quiet and birdsong. I had forgotten how early the dawn chorus starts!

Jonathan Callaway ● 2249d

No snow I'd wait a while

Andy Pike ● 2249d

Whilst the pavements and parks are much quieter than usual, the roads still seem to be busy with traffic.  Made me wonder why anyone needed to be out in their car right now

Craig Fordham ● 2249d

Good luck with taking out speeding motorists, with or without Nordic walking poles...

Richard Carter ● 2249d

I used to go Nordic Walking in Richmond Park with an instructor and a group of people.  Not done it for some time and a bit embarrassed to do it on my own.  However, wondering if this is good time to start, poles are quite long and have a pointy end!!  Ha haa only joking, but seriously I might try to take them out.

Bunny Payne ● 2250d

Meanwhile, police report that, with the empty roads, speeding by reckless motorists has greatly increased.  One driver was  driving at 130mph on the M25 explained that he was speeding because "I thought the faster I went the less chance I would catch coronavirus."https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/surrey-driver-speeding-avoid-coronavirus-a4410546.html

Richard Carter ● 2250d

When I last went out on my bike the biggest hazards by far were pedestrians in the middle of the road. It didn’t bother me at the speed I cycle and there was as good as zero car traffic.  I even managed a brief conversation or three with complete strangers. What is the world coming to?

Jonathan Callaway ● 2250d

Rule 63 of the Highway Code: cyclists should use cycle lanes “when practicable” and “the use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills.”In any case, with the reduced levels of motor vehicles it's even safer for cycles to occupy as much road space as other traffic.

Richard Carter ● 2250d

Jonathan. Well done! Wikipedia agrees with that ...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thames_Path

Michael Ixer ● 2250d

That's a kind of pretty picture that you draw there Ms Stevens, but "not a care in the world" - now that does strain credulity just a bit, especially in these uncertain times.

David Ainsworth ● 2250d

Apart from towpath could somebody tell me if they have had the same experience, cyclists are not using cycle lane, they are riding in the middle of the road 2 abreast not a care in the world and with all their children.

Barbara Stevens ● 2250d

I think it WAS originally a towpath for pulling sail boats and barges against the tide.  The trees came later and in fact the PLA has been chopping some of them down because their roots are damaging the banks.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2250d

It is entirely ridiculous to make any distinction between cyclists, runners and walkers in this context. All are the same - PEOPLE who may either pass on or contract CV-19.It is also entirely ridiculous to expect any combination of them,even just walkers alone, to be able to observe safe social distancing in this environment - even if there were a one-way system.Anyone with either a wish to avoid contracting CV-19 or any sense of social responsibility should just walk/run/cycle elsewhere.It is as if people want to see the exception for an hour's exercise outside the home as a  reason just to be bloody stupid.Changing the name of the towpath to something else will make absolutely no difference to this.

Michael Winstanley ● 2250d

I am trying to be flexible and tolerant during this challenging time. Some places are restricting runners to earlier times - seems a reasonable compromise. I run for exercise, and have changed my route as the towpath is crowded. My husband is cycling on the roads - also for exercise - Most walkers & runners on the heath, common and towpath are observing social distancing, but some still walking 3 or 4 abreast or standing in the middle of paths making it hard for others to walk round.

Ruth Pates ● 2251d

Just to be clear its the Thames River Path on the H and F side of the river that the notices refer to.

Andy Pike ● 2251d

Just to be clear, the towpath (and before Clifford comes back to tell us it isn't a towpath, WE KNOW THAT but prefer to call it a towpath) is closed to runners and cyclists only for the Easter bank holiday weekend and then just between the hours of 10 am and 6 pm. Not exactly the end of the world for anyone.

Richard Carter ● 2251d

"Cyclists should stick to the roads, where there is little traffic and no congestion."But there are quite a few pedestrians in the middle of the roads, some in pairs, trying to socially distance themselves from pedestrians on the pavement.It's all rather confusing, really!

David Ainsworth ● 2251d

This is fantastic news. In these unforeseen times, the narrow river path should only be open to walkers.I am walking along the path everyday myself for my daily exercise, and have noticed many runners and cyclists are passing far too close to the walkers.Also many cyclists are speeding along the path.Cyclists should stick to the roads, where there is little traffic and no congestion.

Mike Essam ● 2251d

Its a footpath not a towpath - its impossible to tow anything with trees in the way and along such a wide tidal river too: science is it would appear not adequately taught these days! I suggest a prize be awarded to the first person to come up with a solution to the towing issue without, of course, harming the trees in any way and whilst at the same time caring for the health of whatever beast is used for the towing. Any takers?

Clifford Cowell ● 2251d

My thoughts exactly!!

Bunny Payne ● 2251d