You are in: home > environment & planning > natural environment > country parks and nature reserves > grand western canal >
Grand Western Canal
Recreation
The Grand Western Canal is an attractive and sensitively managed Country Park offering various activities for visitors to enjoy the peacefulness in a beautiful setting.
Towpath Code of Conduct
The Grand Western Canal Country Park Ranger Service has launched a new towpath code of conduct, encouraging safer and more considerate use of the towpath by cyclists, walkers and anglers. The code explains the behaviour expected of all towpath users and reminds people that horse riding and motorcycle use are not permitted on the towpath.
 | The code of conduct has adopted the ‘two tings’ message and logo which is being promoted by British Waterways on some of its busier canal towpaths. This requests cyclists to ring their bell twice as they approach pedestrians and to pass slowly. |
Another key issue relating to safe cycling is the requirement to dismount and walk under the majority of the canal’s bridges. At most bridges it is impossible to see or hear if there is anyone approaching from the other side, and there have been a number of accidents and near misses in recent years.
| Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: "The Canal Rangers do receive complaints relating to cyclists passing walkers from behind at great speed with no warning. This can be particularly distressing for more elderly walkers and those with hearing difficulties. The code of conduct makes it clear that the towpath can be enjoyed by us all if everyone takes a little extra care.”. |  |
Des Hannon, County Councillor for Tiverton East and Vice Chairman of the Canal’s Joint Advisory Committee, said: "The towpath is a peaceful place which is why it is so popular, but to make the most of your visit we must all show respect and courtesy for others. The code of conduct provides simple messages that we can all observe to have a safe and enjoyable day out alongside the canal.”
Paul Williams, Mid Devon District Councillor for Cranmore and Chairman of the Canal’s Joint Advisory Committee, said: "The Code of Conduct is about two ‘tings’. The first 'ting' is to make sure you have a great time on our canal towpath in perfect safety. The second 'ting' helps you respect and appreciate other canal users.”
Ray Radford, County Councillor for Willand and Uffculme, said: "We are really pleased that the new towpath code of conduct has been produced and really hope that people take note.”
The Towpath Code of Conduct will be published as a leaflet, available in the Canal Basin Visitor Centre, and as a poster 
(220KB - pdf help) that will be placed in all of the notice boards along the towpath.
Canal Manager, Mark Baker, said: "In producing the code of conduct the Ranger Service has consulted with a range of organisations including British Waterways, Sustrans and the Tiverton Canal Company. It has also been approved by the Canal’s Joint Advisory Committee which has representatives from all of the parish, district and county council wards along the canal and all of the canal interest groups. Accidents and near misses do occur on the towpath. We hope that all canal users will acknowledge their responsibilities when using the towpath and show consideration for everyone else.”