Thames Path - unlawful cyclists. What can be done?

On Saturday the path to Sonning was very muddy in places but on the walk back it was an absolute quagmire due to the high number of cyclists we encountered on the path between Shiplake and Sonning despite the 'No Cycling' signs and the new gates to deter cyclists. These cyclists often ride at high speeds and expect walkers to give way to them. What can we do about these cyclists who have no legal right to ride on this part of the Thames Path unless they have permission from the landowner?

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 01/05/2018 10:45 am

I finally remembered to check the signs at the gate to the Thames Path at Shiplake Lock tonight and there are two signs on the gateposts, both look as if they have been fixed there for a very long time. One large one states 'Footpath. No Cycles' and the other is a Thames Path yellow sign (not the blue one which is for cyclists also) and that one states: 'Thames Path National Trail Public Footpath'.

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 19/05/2018 8:56 pm

The proposals and reclasification by Reading Council were only for the following parts of the path at Reading : Roebuck Hotel to Caversham Bridge, Caversham Bridge to Reading Bridge and Reading Bridge to Kennet Mouth. Shiplake to Sonning will never be reclassified as it is too narrow, speeding cyclists are already a danger to pedestrians along there. They travel at high speed and expect pedestrians to give way, as has been observed and reported in the 'Henley Standard'.

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 02/05/2018 9:21 pm

Ah. Reading Council have already begun the process of opening up the Thames Path to cyclists, citing all the reasons stated by Elizabeth and myself above. After consultation in 2017, the re-classification of the path is under way. Looks like we shall all have to be nice after all.

Posted by: will stevens | 02/05/2018 4:20 pm

I agree. Maybe we could all get together and organise a petition to allow access for cyclists.

Posted by: will stevens | 02/05/2018 4:10 pm

recently experienced the same issues. agree something needs to be done

Posted by: Felix Lighter | 02/05/2018 3:37 pm

Will, you may well find somebody down there handing out fixed penalty notices to all trespassing cyclists soon, it clearly states that cyclists are not allowed on the section between Shiplake and Sonning on the National Trails website, I have linked to this. The path is very narrow and speeding cyclists on big wheeled mountain bikes expect walkers to get out of their way very quickly when they are not even allowed there in the first place.

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 01/05/2018 6:31 pm

Every footpath in the county is muddy and boggy right now - due to the inordinate amount of rain that has fallen the past few months. I would reckon walkers are equally as responsible as cyclists for the state of the Thames Path. Sorry Elaine. Stop being such a grouchy-pants, and live nicely with your neighbours.

Posted by: will stevens | 01/05/2018 5:10 pm

Hello Steven. It has nothing to do with civility. The path is narrow, so cannot be shared by cyclists / walkers,it says on National Trails website. The path is totally churned up by cyclists making it very difficult to walk on so people with disabilities cannot use it yet they are the ones who are lawfully allowed to use it, the cyclists are not. I am currently off sick due to doing my back in on Saturday having to walk on what should be a level path. Why do you think you are above the law?

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 01/05/2018 4:43 pm

I am sure if you talked nicely to cyclists, Elaine, they will be perfectly civil. The Thames Path is a valued resource to be shared by all exercise lovers, not just a select few. Shiplake is extremely poorly served for safe cycling routes, and the A4155 is horrendous.

Posted by: will stevens | 01/05/2018 4:35 pm

Exert from Henley Standard: ' .... a yellow marker on the signpost indicates a public footpath and a blue marker indicates a bridleway where cycling is permitted'
http://www.henleystandard.co.uk/news/letters/116130/your-letters.html

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 01/05/2018 12:19 pm

Also from National Trails website: 'Can I ride or cycle on the Trail? The Thames Path National Trail is not a long distance route for cyclists. Most of the Thames Path is a public footpath on which cyclists have no legal right to ride unless they have permission from the landowners - cycling without permission is a trespass offence against landowners'. https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/thames-path/trail-info/can-i-ride-or-cycle-trail

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 01/05/2018 11:59 am

Hello Elizabeth. The sign was always on the entrance stile at the lock entrance to the path, not sure if it was replaced when they put up the new cyclist deterrent stile which doesn't work as cyclists just lift bikes over. I will check. National Trails website states: From Reading to Sonning cyclists can share the Thames Path but once you reach Sonning the path narrows so is only suitable for walkers again. https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/sites/default/files/reading_to_shiplake1.pdf

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 01/05/2018 11:57 am

I have just submitted my concerns on 'The National Trails' website, if anyone else finds these cyclists a problem then maybe if we all did the same it may invoke some action? https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/contact

Posted by: Elaine Fowler | 01/05/2018 10:50 am