We've welcomed the approach and will work with Transport for London (TfL), local councils and community groups to improve towpaths, develop alternative cycling routes and ensure waterways deliver strategic links in London. Boaters, walkers and anglers, will also benefit from better towpaths and links between places.
More people are using London's towpaths than ever before, and we work to support responsible shared use through our 'Share the Space' campaign, by improving towpaths and developing better links with roads.
Ambitious vision
Andrew Gilligan said: “London's towpaths offer a great way to get around the city and are home to some iconic spots – with continued investment they can help support the Mayor's ambitious vision for cycling. We recognise that in some areas, like some stretches of the Regent's Canal, capacity is limited at busy times. But where there is opportunity we want to work with the Canal & River Trust to develop Quietway routes, improve towpaths for shared use and create better travel links throughout the city.”
Brian Fender, chairman of the Canal & River Trust's London Waterways Partnership, said: “London's waterways are open for everyone and support a wide range of journeys around the city, so we welcome the Mayor's vision for cycling. We want to support growth, improve the quality of our towpaths, connect with new routes and enable more communities to enjoy the canals. Towpaths are shared spaces with many different users and have to be treated carefully, so cycling will only be promoted where suitable.”
