READING the letter of David Alison (Craven Herald letters, July 9) has prompted me to put pen to paper.

I used to enjoy walking along the canal towpath from Bradley, but I am now avoiding this route.

Now that the path has been so beautifully restored, many more cyclists have been riding along there, and in the present lock down even more bikes.

Very few appear to have a bell. If they do they are rarely used. On the very few occasions someone does I make a point of thanking them.

I walk mostly alone and I have had bikes whizzing swiftly and silently passing me, with no warning, inches away from my ear without even slowing down.

This is most startling, un-nerving and potentially dangerous for pedestrians-especially if they are elderly (like me).

One day as I was sitting on a seat near the swing bridge, in the space of 15 minutes I counted ten bikes speeding along the canal towpath. It is noticeable that fewer people are walking along there now.

I have heard similar complaints/comments/observations from other people about this problem.

It was stated in a previous letter that pedestrians have precedence and is a legal requirement, therefore cyclists should slow down and give some warning of their approach in good time.

Perhaps when this Covid-19 is over there may be fewer cyclists riding on the towpath and pedestrians may be able to enjoy walking along there in safety once again.

Enid Whiting

Bradley