floating in the city

cycle powered narrowboat shows way forward

Electric boats get a 25% discount for the annual British Waterways Cruising License if the boat has an electric motor as its sole means of propulsion. Presumably the same applies to cycle powered narrowboats? This video of how to cycle up a canal (above) is by Rinky Dink inventors of an amazing alternative energy powered mobile bicycle sound system. Hopefully no one of any influence will have a brain wave and suggest canal cycle lanes.

cycling on the towpath: remember the two tings

A friend of mine has complained that a rear view mirror is now required for anyone walking on the Regents Canal towpath in London, because it has become a bicycle super highway. I think that is an exaggeration, although the towpath is well used by cyclists. As a regular towpath cyclist I always follow the London Towpath Code of Conduct of course, and it seems most other cyclists do too. The main requirement is to give "two tings" on your bell when coming up behind people to avoid unnecessary heart attacks. I think making a 'ting ting' noise might also be ok, but this is not mentioned. Cyclists do not have a legal right to cycle on the towpath, but it is officially allowed by British Waterways who allow responsible towpath cycling. In London you do not need a British Waterways Free Cycling Permit but this is required in some areas.