Apart from trying to get British Waterways (BW) to drop the need for cycle permits we also want to see improvements to canal access points.
While many of them are ramps which are quite cycleable, some points remain as steps. Many of these could have wheeling ramps put alongside the steps so that cycles don’t have to be bumped up or down each step. Of course we prefer a longer ramp to enable us to remain on our bikes but a wheeling ramp is better than nothing.
The other popular favourite moan is of course the knobbly bricks sticking out of the running surface. Allegedly for historical/heritage reasons, we now think it is time BW moved on and realised that many of their users would prefer no knobbly bricks and perhaps a smooth grippy surface instead.
A minor point is towpath maintenance. BW tell us that if there are any bad areas, reporting them to BW is likely to get them sorted out. By not reporting them, BW will be quite happy to ignore the problem – so it’s up to all users to report towpath problems, whether overgrown with vegetation, potholed or muddy surfaces.
Push Bikes is raising its profile with BW by attending and putting questions to the local Canal Forums and User Group meetings. This has put PB on the attended list. A Push Bikes member has exchanged e-mails with BW about the state of the towpath through Edgbaston Tunnel and we have asked three questions at the Lapworth meeting in May.
We are now waiting for a date for the next Users’ Group in Walsall where we hope to receive answers to our questions.
