This is a very welcome and worthy aim. However, the strategy has one glaring omission.

While it’s very strong on protecting cyclists and pedestrians from motor vehicles, it is silent on the need to manage shared space used by both cyclists and pedestrians.

There is a large body of anecdotal evidence suggesting that pedestrians feel (and sometimes actually are) endangered by high-speed cyclists in shared spaces like canal towing paths.

We know that these are a special case, being typically narrow, and with pinch points where the paths pass under bridges. However, the dangerous and inconsiderate behaviour of some cyclists is a real disincentive to other users of these shared spaces.

NABO hopes that measures to manage conflict between cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians in shared spaces can be built into the strategy as implemented.

Mark Tizard