For art's sake slow down

The artwork, which features a 'canyon' in the towpath, forms part of the Two Tings campaign that encourages cyclists and pedestrians to share the towpaths, and abide by a code of conduct to avoid any collisions or clashes along the canal. The artwork is one of several activities British Waterways is organising as part of national bike week.

British Waterways’ towpath ranger, Joseph Young explains: "The majority of cyclists and pedestrians who use the towpaths share the space amicably and recognise that the waterways offer a peaceful, scenic, and vehicle-free route through the city.

"However there are a handful of users who refuse to slow down and share the space with their fellow pedestrians and cyclists. That’s why we’ve commissioned this piece of art. We hope that it will shock them into slowing down to avoid falling into the canyon we’ve created. Once they’ve slowed down it gives us an opportunity to talk to them and explain how their speeding puts both them and other users at risk."

Towpath ranger, Joe regularly patrols the capital’s canals promoting the Two Tings safety campaign and offering cycle-friendly solutions to getting around the city. He also works closely with Transport for London and council officers to help identify parallel off-towpath routes for cyclists who want to travel at speed.

Towpath cycling is more popular

Cycling on the towpath seems to have become increasingly popular in summer 2009, with more people than ever getting onto their bikes. The recession and increasing environmental awareness have contributed towards the shift to this sustainable mode of transport. Whilst last week’s tube strike resulted in a noticeable increase in commuter cyclists on the towpath as Londoner’s used alternative methods to get to work. The Regent’s Canal runs east-west across central London, passing many of the main tube stations on its route.

With an increase in users, however, comes potential conflict. Pedestrians have priority on London’s towpaths and many feel vulnerable as a result of the number of cyclists sharing the space, some of whom are unaware of the towpath code of conduct and the considerate behaviour that it promotes. Others are aware of the rules, but refuse to observe them.

Shocking speeding cyclists

For this reason, British Waterways London commissioned this exciting art installation on the Regent’s Canal, aimed at shocking speeding cyclists into slowing down and moderating their behaviour.

Joe Young adds: "As a cyclist myself I can definitely say this isn’t about trying to restrict access to the towpaths for bikes. It’s about appropriateness – the towpaths are often narrow and are full of historic furniture such as low bridges, lock landings and bollards, all of which are part of the charm of the canal, but aren’t ideal for cyclists who need to get somewhere in a hurry. British Waterways wants to make sure that everyone who uses the towpaths gets to enjoy them, taking time to appreciate the wildlife and heritage they offer. Cycling on the towpath is a real escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, so it’s worth taking it steady and enjoying the view."