is it just me?

Took Lou for a walk yesterday down by the Leeds to Liverpool canal, its lovely, but...i got really annoyed at cyclists. every 2 mins we had to move out of the way and stand and wait for them to go past, making sure Lou was'nt in the way..
I know its a public footpath. So it should be treated as such, its not a CYCLEpath...
Then as we were heading back to the car, there was a house and a dog was in the garden, it managed to stick its head through the gate and literally put Lous head in its mouth. We managed to pull her away, gave her a quick inspection and saw that she was ok, so we left it. But then i got home and saw she had a scratch going from the top of her eye down over to the back of her head. drew a bit of blood too, was very annoyed that this dog was able to do this, it was a right snarly thing too.
So not sure we will go back again, unless its raining, then no one will 'bother' us..

What a day!! Cyclists are somewhat annoying, but i'd rather them on the footpath than the roads! They can be dare devils and make it so dangerous, but completely understand your frustration!
Poor Lou, I hope he is okay!!  

I'm not sure how the laws actually go with Towpaths , I believe that cycles are actually allowed on them ??

Anyway TBH I don't mind , as the kids never bother them and if I see one I stand out of the way and if they don't say thankyou then I get to shout W*nk** at them ( which is 1 of my favourite words ) , they don't normally stop to challenge me in response  

It's the joggers that always get me , silent stalkers and on one occasion didn't hear one coming up behind ( Tommy was a bit younger ) and Tommy ran up all playfull and grabbed her sleeve , it was a tad embarassing but no harm done , they should be made to have bells round their necks for advanced warning

Dave wrote:I'm not sure how the laws actually go with Towpaths , I believe that cycles are actually allowed on them ??

I think that they need a permit from British waterways to ride them, but who checks? Ive never seen a cycle permit inspector lol.

I'm sure cyclists are allowed, im just having a whinge and a moan about them...being an inconvenience to me and my pooch.
Lou is actually really good with people, she isnt bothered by them, doesn't try to jump on them, she just stands there while we let them past. It just doesn't feel like such a leisurely walk when you have to keep looking over your shoulder.
If they dont say thanks, i say thanks loud enough for them to hear, soon makes them say it back.. x

you do have right of way and they should use a bell or speak to let you know that they are there. think its something called the greenway code.
luckily most are really good around here and say thanks for moving out the way but you always get one who will thunder past with an "I am god get out of my way" attitude. I just wish I had the foresight to see this and give em a nudge to go play with the ducks and swans  

I must say its not something I come across an awful lot where I walk, our cyclists tend to cycle the roads and rarely youll get one on the footpath, when you do the seem pleasant enough though

Sounds like a pain. Hope Louby is none worse for it.

Dave: my dictionary of cool brit words is continuously growing. I thank you.

The dog getting her honestly did not seem to bother her at all, which isnt surprising, i genuinely think she has a screw loose. x

Nathan wrote:you do have right of way and they should use a bell or speak to let you know that they are there. think its something called the greenway code.
luckily most are really good around here and say thanks for moving out the way but you always get one who will thunder past with an "I am god get out of my way" attitude. I just wish I had the foresight to see this and give em a nudge to go play with the ducks and swans  

Nice one Nathan , I'm going to print this off as flyers and ram it down every cyclist , jogger and irresponsible dog owner's throat when I'm on the canal next

The Greenway Code for Towpaths

1. Share the space consider other people and the local environment whenever you’re on a Greenway. Remember some people may move less predictably, for example young children or those with visual or mobility impairments.

2. Drop your pace considerate sharing of the limited towpath space is the key. Jogging and cycling are welcome, but drop your pace in good time and let people know you are approaching by ringing a bell or politely calling out before waiting to pass slowly.

3. Pedestrians have priority towpaths are ‘Greenways’ or shared use routes where pedestrians have priority and vehicles, except bicycles and mobility aids, are generally excluded.

4. Be courteous to others – A smile can go a long way. Abusive or threatening behaviour is not acceptable and should be reported to the Police.

5. Follow signs and obey local by-laws they are there for the safety of everyone. Cyclists should dismount where required and use common sense in busy or restricted areas, recognising that pedestrians have priority.

6. Give way to oncoming people beneath bridges whether they are on foot or bike and be extra careful at bends and entrances where visibility is limited.

7. When travelling in large groups, especially if you are running or cycling, please use common sense and give way to others.

8. Try to avoid wearing headphones as this makes you less aware of your surroundings possible hazards and others sharing the same space.

9. Keep dogs under control ideally using a short lead on busy towpaths and clean-up after them. Dog fouling is very unpleasant and is a health hazard.

10. At all times, keep children close to you and encourage them to learn and follow the Greenway Code for Towpaths.

 thanks Dave I needed that.

I live in a rural area and my biggest bane for me is the huge trucks. So when we walking the dogs are on lead

I prefer doing everything in the rain.. think me and Biscuit are just as antisocial as eachother haha! Biscuit used to chase cyclists, skateborders, scooters.. anything with wheels when I first adopted her so they quite literally were the bane of my life but luckily we got her out of that one!!