The Waterways Code

Look After your waterways

Avoid cycling where your tyres would damage the path or verges (eg when they are wet or soft)

Consider others

Give way to others on the towpath and warn them of your approach. Pedestrians have priority. A polite ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ mean a lot.

Watch out for anglers’ tackle and give them time to move it before you try to pass

Dismount under low, narrow or blind bridges

Never race one another or perform speed trials

We recommend you obtain third party liability insurance and equip your bike with a bell or hooter

Take care

Access paths can be steep and slippery. Join and leave the towpath with care.

You must get off and push your cycle beneath low or blind bridges, and where the path is very narrow

We strongly advise against cycling the towpath after dark, but if you have to, use front and rear lights

Thorny hedge trimmings can cause a puncture.

We recommend plastic-reinforced tyres or puncture sealant

Source: www.waterscape.com