Multi-use towpaths:A good practice guide for navigationauthorities

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Chairman’s foreword

There's no doubt about it–visiting waterway, appealing to people of all ages and providing a settingfor a very wide range of activities. What makes them so popular? It's probably a combination offactors. Diverse landscapes, working heritage, colourful boats, waterside pubs, fascinating wildlife,and a safe accessible traffic free environment, are always rated highly by visitors.

Traditionally used by walkers, ramblers and anglers, towpaths are now popular with joggers,runners and cyclists, as well as birdwatchers, naturalists and those with an interest in our industrialheritage. Schools activities lend themselves to towpath visits, and their flat terrain makes themvalued by those who require disabled access.

However, more users inevitably bring more pressure. Multi-use routes need to be carefully planned,and issues such as the width of towpath, access points, visitor safety, environmental factors andopportunities for external funding need managing. In addition, a navigation authority will want tomaximize opportunities for external funding, whilst at the same time considering long termmanagement issues.

Over the past decade, much good work has been carried out to improve towpaths and riversideroutes, but much more remains to be done. This document provides AINA members with a short butcomprehensive guide outlining how towpaths can be enhanced to cater for wider multi-use activity.

We can all learn from others, and six useful case studies have been included to help show howsome AINA members have successfully upgraded canal or riverside paths for multi-use. These alsohelp to illustrate the wider benefits which accessible and well used towpaths can bring, as well asshowing that there is always room for innovation and fresh thinking!

I hope all AINA members will use this introductory guide to start planning the ways in which we canmake our towpaths more welcoming to more people. And don't forget, further advice and guidanceis never far away.

Julia SimpsonChairman

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AINA was formed in 1996 with strong encouragementfrom government to provide, for the first time ever, asingle voice on waterway management issues. Thebroad purpose of AINA is to facilitate the managementand development of the inland waterways as aneconomic, environmental, recreational and socialresource.

The key criterion for membership is formal (legal)responsibility for the management of an inlandwaterways which is open to navigation and thereforeconsidered to be operational. Please contact the AINAoffice if you are interested in becoming a member ofAINA.

AINA defines 'inland waterways' as including allnavigable channels, navigable rivers and lakes, and allassociated land and assets such as towpaths andamenity areas - in other words any land which has animpact on, or relationship with the waterway. Someareas may be in public ownership, have public access,or be privately owned but have the potential to be partof the navigation impact zone.

AINA’s key strategic objectives are to:

represent the collective views ofnavigation authorities to government,regulators, other policy makers,funders and stakeholders;

develop, share and promote goodpractice for the operation,management and development ofinland waterways for navigation andassociated purposes.

About AINA

1. Introduction

2. Towards multi-use

3. Potential partners

4. Key issues

5. Summary

Appendices

Appendix 1 Model Design Brief

Appendix 2 Bibliography

6. Case Studies

The River Thames Path

The Halingway Cycle Track, River Cam

The Medway Valley Walk, River Medway

Cycleway and environmental project,Neath Canal Navigation

Community, environment and cyclingimprovements, Coventry and Nuneaton

Floating towpath, Limehouse Cut, London

CONTENTS

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The purpose of this document is to providebest practice and current informationconcerning the development, design andconstruction of multi-use routes adjacent toinland waterways, both on existing towpathsor on other riparian ownerships. It sets outthe necessary stages to consider in order toprogress a multi-use route, whilst ensuringthat the interests of a navigation authority andits users are adequately protected. It alsoshows how multi-use provision can lead to animproved high quality towpath or accessroute.

Healthy living has become an increasingly important aspect ofthe Government’s public agenda and waterway corridors and towpaths are now recognised as important traffic free routeswhich can encourage walking, cycling and other outdooractivities. The ways in which they link urban and rural areas isanother valuable benefit they offer.

Inland waterways can therefore play an important role indelivering Government policy and the success of the newlydeveloped Sustrans cycleway network has shown the publicappetite for safe, off-road multi use routes.

Local Transport Plans also recognise their value andpotential. In addition, multi-use routes can provide the catalystfor a wider range of waterway projects, and infrastructure orenvironmental improvements can be planned around thedevelopment of canal and riverside routes.

Over the last few years Sustrans has developed the NationalCycling Network which provides a wide range of benefits - forthe environment, for the economy, and for the many usersnow enjoying outdoor activity.

The network provides a route generally two to three metreswide designed for use by all users, with demarcation providedthrough busy stretches. The developing network has alreadyhelped open up whole new waterway routes, particularlythrough urban areas, and this new use and activity has led toan increased appreciation of the canalside environment.

Attention has been paid to encourage responsible cyclingbehaviour towards pedestrians and other users on multi-usepaths, including towpaths, and navigation authorities willalways need to consider the ways in which harmoniousactivities can take place on new multi-use paths. Gooddesign and planning are fundamental.

However, Sustrans are not the only promoters of cycleways,and navigation authorities may well be approached by localauthorities, other agencies or partners who wish to improveand promote use of their towpaths for multiple use. A rangeof funding opportunities are often available to support thedevelopment of such projects.

1. Introduction

Successful multi-use routes can cater for everyone in a safeand attractive environment

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Before embarking on any towpathimprovement project, a navigation authorityshould have policies to ensure that theimproved towpath meets the needs andaspirations of both itself and its existing andpotential users. It must consider and addressthe following issues:

1. Purpose and objectives:

to improve access

to increase the use of towpaths

to encourage multi-use

to prevent accidents

to manage existing liabilities and responsibilities

2. Zoning of use:

Ensure different user needs and requirements are met toavoid conflict, especially where towpath widths are limited.Proper management is needed to ensure the safety of allusers of the towpath.

3. Identification of costs:

An understanding of the full cost implications incurred in thecreation and maintenance of a multi-use route to a requiredstandard to meet safety, access and environmental targets.

4. Safety:

Safety of users is important and reference should be made tothe AINA good practice guide Managing inland waterwaysafety risks: 2003 (www.aina.org.uk)

5. Insurance–who pays?

is it paid for by the users as part of a licence/registration fee?

is it covered by a navigation authority’s own policy?

it is important to understand risks and managementissues

Permits/Licences:

These can be used for various reasons and the fullramifications of establishing a cycling permit scheme shouldbe considered, for example:

as a means of regulation/control

as a means of imparting information - to set out rightsand responsibilities, codes of use/conduct andguidance on safe use

to charge or not to charge

7. Monitoring and assessment:

An ability to analyse the success or otherwise of the project,with adequate means of recording and measurement put inplace to identify:

levels of activity before and after

user zoning

incidents/accidents

maintenance implications

2. Towards multi use

Multi use paths can be designed to include informalsurfacing, grass verges and hedgerows

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3. Potential partners

Partners for multi-use routes are potentiallynumerous, and are likely to includeorganisations such as local authorities,highway authorities, Sustrans and SportEngland. Partnerships with more than onepartner will always be beneficial in helping tounlock any potential funding support. As withany project, early approaches to likelypartners are recommended.

Local authorities

At present, local authorities are the main delivery agent forinitiatives to improve cycling, which is largely led and fundedthrough Local Transport Plans. Work can include traditionalhighway projects as well as ways and means to encouragecyclists onto off-road routes such as towpaths and disusedrailway tracks. In addition, local authorities carry out a widerange of promotional and behavioural programmes such asschool and workplace travel planning, personalised journeyplanning, and so on. Traditionally, Road Safety Officers basedin local authorities have also had a major role in deliveringcycling training both to children and adults.

The Department for Transport

The Department for Transport’s ability to contribute towards cycling initiatives relies heavily on its ability to direct funding tolocal authorities and to then hold them to account (mainlythrough the Local Transport Plan system) via the quality oftheir delivery. The DfT can also make available specific grantfunds, eg improvements to London’s canal towpaths. The DfT’s National Cycling Strategy depends upon an increased level of co-operation between organisations in the public,commercial and voluntary sectors, and recognises that eachcan bring particular strengths to help meet the target toquadruple cycling activity by 2012. It also aims to makecycling more convenient for all, including the provision ofnewly accessible off road routes. The detailed advice in theStrategy needs to be adapted to suit differing circumstances,and AINA members are advised to consider the thrust of thisdocument at an early stage.

Sustrans

Sustrans is a national, well established charity whose titlestands for ‘Sustainable Transport’. Its practical contribution to sustainable transport has been to design and build traffic freepaths for cyclists, walkers and disabled people, often ondisused railways but also including towpaths.

In the last 15 years Sustrans has built over 480 kilometres oftraffic-free paths including lengths along the BritishWaterways canal system. It is anticipated that their network,which continues to grow, will complement existing towpathand waterway schemes and from experience of existingcycleways this has certainly been the case.

The network is being constructed in collaboration withpartners, and funding has been obtained from a range ofsources for the capital works of construction. The success ofSustrans’ work has enabled them to use Lottery funds and other sources of grant aid. The increased levels ofmaintenance and management required to service thenetwork will also met by others, including primarily localauthority contributions.

Sport England

Sport England is the strategic leader for delivering theGovernment's sporting objectives in England, and works withGovernment, local authorities, health professionals, nationalgoverning bodies, teachers, the voluntary sector and thecommercial sector. It shares best practice, sets standards,and builds partnerships to promote the benefits of sport andactivity, including healthier living, social inclusion and crimeprevention. It distributes both Lottery and Exchequer fundsand has nine regional offices working in tandem with regionalsports boards. Resources are allocated in order to meetagreed objectives, which broadly aim to increase participationin sport in order to improve the health of the nation, with afocus on priority groups. Their agenda now includes thegrowth of activities which promote healthier lifestyles. Sisterorganisations exist in Wales and Scotland, and each aims topromote healthy activity which is easily accessible to all.

Regional Development Agencies (RDAs)

The Regional Development Agencies in England support awide range of economic and social projects, and their work islinked to wider agendas such as social inclusion and healthyliving. RDAs can be supportive of green infrastructure work,including cycleway networks, where these can be seen to bepart of the local regeneration agenda. British Waterways havebeen able to apply for and use RDA funding at a number oflocations, though partnership monies will usually be needed tomatch any RDA contributions.

Interpretation and information can helpmake multi use routes more attractive

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4. Key issues

A number of key issues should always beconsidered in relation to the development ofmulti-use routes alongside inland waterways.These are outlined below.

Local context

Local character and distinctiveness are important and shouldbe considered at an early stage of project planning. Linkswith local communities and attractions should also be takeninto account. This includes the ways in which a new orimproved route can support relevant local agendas or policies,and the ways in which its construction may assist related workprogrammes, asset management, or future waterwayinvestment. For example, a waterway route may form animportant new link for cyclists, enabling connections with otherroutes as part of a wider local network.

At an operational level, multi-user routes can bring funding tosupport other work such as bank protection or vegetationmanagement.

Suitability

Assessment of suitability will be essential, linked tooperational requirements, working dimensions, gradients andaccess points. Some waterways are undoubtedly moresuitable for shared routes than others, and the differencesbetween canal and river navigations bring both opportunitiesand constraints.

Suitability to safely enable access for all should always beconsidered, particularly given the Disability Discrimination Actlegislation. Whilst towpaths are generally accessible with astandard minimum width of two metres, river navigations mayinclude flood banks where opportunities can be much morelimited. Often bank top width may be limited whilst noexcavation may be permitted by the navigation authority oradjacent landowner. British Waterways and others havedeveloped helpful access for all advice which can be sharedwith members.

Safety issues

Health and safety must be considered from the outset, relatingboth to the role of the navigation authority and theresponsibilities of the users themselves. Survey andassessment work may identify lengths of waterway where, forexample, cycling is deemed to be an unacceptable risk.However, the use of codes to help promote hazard awarenessand responsible behaviour are an important and provenmeans of ensuring safety issues are addressed in a proactiveway.

It is recommended that a safety risk assessment beundertaken using a classification scheme for the audit oftowpaths and their suitability for cycling. Provided thenecessary criteria for a designated cycle path can be met toensure adequate safety levels for all users, then the nextsteps towards construction can be undertaken.

Signage

A newly developed multi-use route will require signage to:

explain the likely changes to the towpath or watersideenvironment

safely guide and encourage users to make use offormal access points

identify potential hazards such as blind spots bybridges or locations where there may be a need to, forexample, dismount from cycles.

Signage onto and from the path will need to be considered,and design work may need to link to existing signage or be setwithin guidelines provided by the navigation authority orfunding partners. Signage should be aesthetically sensitiveand should consider local design, whilst at the same timerecognising any national considerations behind the route, egboth British Waterways and the Environment Agency normallyuse their corporate styles.

Sustainability

Sustainability issues must be considered for both constructionand post-construction periods. This will include a review ofmaterials sourced and used and longer term maintenance andmanagement implications.

Guarantees of funding to maintain the route should be put inplace at an early appropriate stage, and are likely to includearrangements for partnership funding. Consideration shouldalso be given to the step costs needed to successfullymaintain newly improved routes after their initial development.

Multi use paths can cater for all ages and all people

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4. Key issues (cont’d)

Heritage, Environment, Design and Planning

In order to ensure that any multi-use improvements do notdetract from the current enjoyment of a canal or waterway it isessential that a full design study is undertaken to address therelevant issues at an early stage. This will include anassessment of visual impact, materials, access points,construction methods, vegetation, etc and should ideally becarried out by a qualified landscape architect.

Care must be taken to ensure that construction does notresult in loss or damage to the built and natural heritage of thewaterway. Impacts will occur mainly during the constructionphase of the proposals and it is therefore essential that thework is planned and undertaken in accordance with agreedenvironmental best practice (as outlined in the Model DesignBrief–Appendix 1).

Details of various types of construction have been preparedby Sustrans and others, and examples are available withintheir guide The National Cycle Network: Guidelines andPractical Details which can be found at www.sustrans.org.uk.However, it is important that each route is reviewed to selectmaterials appropriate to the local environment, though higherperformance specifications will help ensure lower levels offuture maintenance. Where necessary, it is essential thatadequate drainage is provided.

Construction and operational implications of any proposedroute need to be understood by all parties, includingworkplace risk assessments, method statements, CDMapprovals etc, before work commences.

Legal Agreements

There is merit in a navigation authority considering andoperating a licence or agreement which, under controlledcircumstances, will grant various rights to users. Agreementscan ensure that the liabilities for a route are properlydischarged and that the maintenance and management costswhich will be incurred by the navigation authority are fullyrecoverable from a local authority or other funders. Anagreement will also give confidence to partners and users thatthe route will be fully sustainable in the future.

However, some form of security of use may need to bedemonstrated and, for example, Sustrans have suggested a‘deed of dedication’ on some routes.

If the proposed route is a public footpath it will be essential toapproach the local Highway Authority to ensure that they willgive their consent to cycling. Where the towpath is abridleway, albeit that these occur only in limitedcircumstances, cycling is already a permitted use.

Cycling permits can be considered to help manage andcontrol multi-use routes. Sustrans have accepted that ifnavigation authorities wish to see permits being a requirementof cycling then they would have no objection to this providedthey were readily available and of a national nature. Furtherdiscussion amongst AINA members may be necessary.

Motorcycles

Unauthorised motorcycle access on to towpaths is an issuewhich all navigation authorities face, and improved access formulti use needs to consider how this can be managed out.Over many years, various ways and means have been triedand tested, including barriers and gated access, buteducation and management remain important considerations.Legally, motorcycles are not allowed on waterway towpathsand enforcement action can therefore be taken if required.The Disability Discrimination Act also means that any barriersmust consider the needs of disabled users, and BritishWaterways has prepared guidance to illustrate the optionsavailable, whilst also showing that multi-user use need not bediscouraged (see Appendix 2).

Consultation

An improved multi-use route can create concerns aboutincreased visitor pressure or conflict. Through consultation,such misconceptions can be addressed at a very early stageso that the proposals can be explained, problems identifiedand solutions prepared. Problems that may need to beaddressed through consultation might include unauthorisedaccess by motorcycles, conflicts with anglers, problems withmooring ropes, and cyclists travelling at speed. Earlyconsultation with local police may be a useful process to helpovercome any future problems relating to irresponsiblebehaviour. Their thoughts on safety and design issues can behelpful.

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5. Summary

Planning Permissions

Professional advice should always be sought in relation toplanning legislation and planning permission, and any relevantActs or bye-laws need to be complied with. The use of atowpath for the development of a multi-use route or cyclewayis beyond the normal permitted use of the canal network andGeneral Development Order powers may not be applicable. Itis therefore recommended that the navigation authority (or thepromoter of the scheme) seek planning permission from therelevant authority, whether at district, unitary or national parklevel. This in turn will give access to wider consultation andsupport through the statutory processes used by the relevantplanning authorities.

Funding

Navigation authorities should not always need to contribute tothe development of improved multi-use routes. Experienceshows that funds will often be provided by others though AINAmembers may have funds allocated which can be used tosupport or match fundraising efforts.

Many possibilities exist, ranging from National Lottery funds tosmaller scale local grants. Multi-use routes can offer multiplebenefits to a wide range of users–whether they be waterwayenthusiasts, local people or visitors –and there is oftensupport forthcoming from a number of sources. AINAmembers can obtain further information on fundingopportunities via its website.

Through negotiation, the costs of ongoing maintenance andmanagement may be shared with, eg the local authority,though early discussions are of course necessary.Maintenance agreements can be prepared which help share,but at the same time secure, the anticipated costs of lookingafter a well designed towpath.

Project Management

Strong project management is a key requirement.

This may be provided via the navigation authority itself, or viaa consultant, the local authority or, in some cases, Sustrans.British Waterways may also be able to assist and advise.Whatever option is selected, continuity is important, frominitial feasibility through consultation to construction, andnavigation authorities will need to determine a suitable wayforward for each project.

These guidelines are designed to helpnavigation authorities to respond proactivelyto ideas or proposals for the development ofmulti-user routes. However, they are notprescriptive since local character andwaterway issues need to be considered andbuilt into each and every proposal. Thereference documents listed in Appendix 2provide more detailed help and guidance.

AINA believes that the further development of multi-use pathsalongside our inland waterways will provide access for manymore people to the national canal and river network. Suchwork will be complementary to the very significant successalready achieved over the last few years in improving theenvironment of, and access to, our waterway heritage.

A shared experience

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6. Case Studies

The Thames PathThe Thames Path, now established as one of ourNational Trails, follows the country’s best known river for 184 miles as it meanders from its source in aCotswold meadow, through several rural counties, andon into the bustle of the City of London, finishing at theThames Barrier in Greenwich.

A Thames Path Management Group was set upconsisting of representatives from the EnvironmentAgency and Natural England, as well as the localauthorities through which the path runs.

This Group helps to promote and manage the path andaims to make it accessible and known to as manypeople as possible.

The Environment Agency is also a member of apartnership initiative, the River Thames Alliance, whichworks to promote boating and leisure, improve facilitiesand co-ordinate planning with the 25 local authoritiesthrough which the Thames passes. The Alliance hashelped develop a number of carefully chosen riversideroutes catering for a wide range of users.

Developed by the Thames Path National Trail Officeand the Environment Agency, each of the 12 routes hasbeen assessed and tested, with most offering level andwide paths, gentle slopes and rest areas. Thepathways are accessible for wheelchair users andparents with pushchairs, as well as those who are lessmobile.

Each walk comes with a handy map and informationabout distance, type of surface and where to findaccessible local refreshments and toilets, so allowingeveryone to decide which walks are right for them.

Jos Joslin, Thames Path National Trail manager, said“I’m delighted more people can now get out and enjoy using the Thames Path. These walks are a wonderfulopportunity for everyone to enjoy what the RiverThames has to offer. And it’s all for free!”

Don Vickers, Environment Agency Recreation teamleader said “It’s been shown that being by water can improve people’s sense of well being. We want everyone to have the chance to benefit from this bymaking the River Thames more accessible and open toeveryone. These new walks are a great example of thework we are doing to make sure that happens.”

The case studies which follow demonstrate arange of multi-use towpath schemes whichhave been carried out in recent years by AINAmembers, their partners and stakeholders.

The examples show the different ways inwhich towpaths have been developed to reactto and enhance their local environments.

1. The Thames Path

2. Halingway Cycle Track, River Cam

3. Medway Valley Walk, River Medway

4. Cycleway and environmental project,Neath Canal Navigation

5. Community and environmental project,Coventry and Nuneaton

6. Floating towpath, Limehouse Cut,London

Goring Lock

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Halingway Cycle Track, River Cam

The Halingway towpath runs along the banks of theRiver Cam in Cambridge over a distance ofapproximately 6 km. This rural stretch of the river islined with several hundred trees, mostly pollardedwillows. Over the last 100 years, the Halingway hassupported recreational pastimes such as coachestraining rowing crews, crowds assembling to watchrowing races, people fishing, dog-walkers, bird-watchers and ramblers.

Prior to 2005, the Cam Conservators maintained theHalingway to the standard of a towpath through in-house grass mowing and tree clearing programmes.During the winter months however, the grass surfacecould become quite muddy through trampling and wasonly suitable for mountain bikes and dedicated walkerswearing wellington boots.

In 2004 the Halingway was selected by CambridgeCounty Council for upgrading with a hard cycle tracksurface because it linked conveniently to existing roadsand there was already evidence of cycle use. It offereda safe alternative to the busy A10 Ely-Cambridge roadfor non-motorised traffic.

In 2004/05 Cambridgeshire County Council secured a£21m Government ‘Growth Area Delivery Grant’ on the basis of the County’s projected population and business expansion. They also won £12m Departmentof Transport funding to bring forward access andinfrastructure developments. Monies from thesesources were used to fund the improvements to theHalingway.

The project aimed to improve the connectivity of ‘green’ healthy transport routes for local people. The new cycletrack has been hugely popular as a commuter’s route into Cambridge, especially from Waterbeach Stationwhich serves trains from the north and east. The cycletrack forms part of Sustrans National Cycle NetworkRoute 11.

The ‘Fen Rivers Way’ footpath also follows the Halingway (Section 6, Upware to Cambridge) and thisis part of the trans European E2 long distance route.On the downside, the increased frequency and speedof cycle traffic has not been popular with fishermen,and some have moved away to find more peacefulfishing locations elsewhere.

The track was opened officially on 1 July 2005. ‘Fen Rivers Way’ waymark signs were installed by the CCC Countryside Access Team. The Conservators Byelawsprohibit vehicles on the Halingway and theConservators installed two pairs of new bollards inOctober 2006, costing £1500, at each end of the trackto ensure that access is restricted to cyclists andpedestrians only. Local Sustrans volunteers trim backvegetation but larger trees which fall on the towpathfrom time to time are cleared by the Conservators’ staff.

The Conservators may in the future approach CCC forgrant monies to cover the costs of enhancedmanagement. The Halingway currently remains unlit atnight.The Halingway is well signposted and links

into existing rights of way

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Medway Valley Walk, River Medway

The River Medway forms part of the EnvironmentAgency’s Medway Region, and is both the longest river and the longest navigation in Kent passing throughurban, industrial and rural areas. The navigation wasoriginally used commercially but today the riverbetween Maidstone and Tonbridge is a publicnavigation, allowing users to enjoy the 'Garden ofEngland' from the water. Following the riverbank theMedway Valley Walk runs for 18 miles passing throughtowns and villages.

The Medway Valley CountrysidePartnership (MVCP) has worked toimprove access to the Medway ValleyWalk. Led by MVCP, the project is apartnership of Kent County Council, the

Environment Agency, Tonbridge and Malling andMaidstone Borough Councils working together toencourage more people to enjoy and explore the RiverMedway and it’s local countryside.

Throughout the length the standard has beenincreased to provide a high quality experience that isaccessible for a wider range of local people. Typicalwork has included ramping bridges and removingstiles, widening paths and surfacing to increase accessfor less mobile people. Short circular walks using theexisting rights of way network will be created linking tothe Medway Valley Walk.

Funding of £204,000 (from partners and EU Interregfunding) was secured by MVCP which enabled bankrestoration by specialist contractors, installation ofdisabled fishing platforms and a large number ofsmaller access improvements to be undertaken.

The larger scale works such as ‘access for all’ surfacing were undertaken in key areas on the edge oftowns or villages with the smaller scale worksundertaken in the more rural locations.

This provides a range of accessibility whilst maintainingthe rural character of the path away from the mainvillages.

Work such as the removal of stiles, installation ofhandrails and path clearance was done predominantlywith the help of local volunteers. Relativelyinexpensive, the collective result along the path has agreat benefit for accessibility and enjoyment of theriverside.

A second scheme, the Riverside Communities Project -funded by HLF, Ernest Cook and the Bernard SunleyCharitable Foundation - is a 2 ½ year project engaginglocal communities with their river in a programme ofevents, school workshops and interpretative work.Based on the rivers natural, industrial and agriculturalheritage, the project is being led by the RiversideCommunities Project Officer. (go towww.medwayvalley.co.uk for more information).

The MedwayValley Walkincorporates arange of userfriendly features,such as disabledfishing platformsand high qualitysurfacing

Before and after shots showing improvements toBranbridges path

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Cycleway and environmental projectNeath Canal Navigation

This project has now restored approximately 4.5kilometres of canal towpath between Briton Ferry andTonna, forming a direct and safe pedestrian/cycleaccess between rural areas and Neath town centre,enabling the route to now form part of the SustransNational Cycle Network.

The initial proposals and feasibility study wereundertaken by members of Neath Port Talbot CountyBorough Council and the Neath Canal staff.

Funding partners included NPT Environment Aid,Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council (NPTCBC),Neath Canal Navigation (NCN) and Sustrans. A total of£350,000 was donated towards the cost of the project.

The NPTCBC engineers acted as the main consultantand worked closely with the Neath Canal staff todevelop a design brief, and subsequently the contractdocument. A specialist company was employed toundertake an independent environmental impactsurvey and a local artist assisted in producingdecorative fencing panels and focal points.

On evaluation of the tenders submitted, NPTCBCawarded NCN the contract for the works. In addition tothe construction/relaying of the towpaths, the workincluded the installation of a lifting bridge, featureviewing platform and walkway plus extensive canal walland bridge repairs finishing with tree planting andnatural stone seating areas. The route has beenmarked with Sustrans mileposts and patented barrierserected to prevent motorcycle access.

This initial project opened up an under utilised, man-made nature reserve for public and leisure use and hasproven very popular. It has now featured as part of theannual Swansea Bay Charitable Cycle Ride whenupwards of 500 cyclists utilise the towpath over an 8hour period.

Building on the success of this project, an additional7km of polluted canal above Tonna has been dredgedand sections restored at a cost of £2.7million and thetowpaths on this section laid to Sustrans standards.

The Waterways Trust/Bura recently awarded thisproject as the runner up in the Innovation Category2007.

In addition a further £2 million funding has beenprocured to restore 4 locks and construct the longestsingle span canal aqueduct in the UK.

Simple measures have been applied to make thetowpath accessible, whilst preventing vehicularmovements

A local artist was employed to create attractivegates and barriers

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Community, environment and cycling improvementsCoventry and Nuneaton

In the late 1980s Coventry's canal was tired, run downand dirty. Parts of the towpath were in danger ofcrumbling into the water and wildlife was threatened bypollution.

A number of initiatives have helped improve the canaltowpath in Coventry and Nuneaton, which nowfunctions as an attractive well used route into the citycentre, out to the countryside around HawkesburyJunction, and through Nuneaton itself.

A detailed cycleway assessment of the towpath wascarried out with the support of Sustrans to map accesspoint requirements, route width, engineering issues,boundary problems, etc. This major report identified allthe issues and constraints which needed to beovercome. Over a number of years the towpath hasbeen widened, new bank protection provided, andimproved surfacing and signage provided.

The Greenway is the finalstage of a multi million poundimprovement programme madepossible thanks to funding froma variety of sources. More than£1 million has been investedsince 2001 to create a newGreenway along a four milestretch of canal, creating ashared cycleway andpedestrian path. It provides atraffic free route for cycling andwalking which has provedpopular with local people andvisitors.

The National Cycle Network Route 52 follows theGreenway between Leicester Causeway andHawkesbury Junction.

A range of partners have helped this work progress,including British Waterways, the local authorities, thelocal Groundwork Trust, the Coventry Canal Society,and community groups. Substantial European fundingwas obtained to support some of the work, and asuccessful bid to the Arts Lottery Fund enabled thetowpath in Coventry to become the setting for an artstrail which resulted in around thirty works of public artbeing installed alongside the towpath. This has sincebecome a popular local attraction, and the City Councilhave funded canal rangers to help promote the towpathto all local communities.

Improvements to theCoventry Canal towpathclose to the city centre,where public art andfacelift work to bridgeshas helped attract visi-tors.

This attractive marker is one of a series to welcome allusers onto the towpath in Coventry

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Floating towpath, London

The Limehouse Cut is a 2½ kilometre long canal whichconnects the River Thames and Limehouse Basin tothe River Lee Navigation at Bow Locks. The towpathallows walkers, joggers and cyclists to access areassuch as the Isle of Dogs, Limehouse Basin, theThames Path, Three Mills and the rest of London’s 100 mile canal and river network.

Prior to British Waterways London carrying out work in2002, there was no pedestrian or cycle link under thebusy A12 road bridge where it crosses the LimehouseCut. This meant walkers and cyclists had to negotiatethe road via an unpleasant subway to get from oneside of the canal to the other. It also created asignificant physical divide between communities livingto the west of the road and the local amenities andrecreational opportunities to the east.

In order to create a continuous linear path alongsidethe canal, British Waterways London installed a newfloating towpath. The facility is made up of 21 sectionswhich together measure 242 metres in length by 2metres in width. Pre-cast concrete floatation unitscreate a very stable surface for cyclists and colourfullighting in the pontoons and under the bridge help toprovide a safe and attractive environment. At eitherend of the walkway a platform has been built over thewater’s edge to connect the new structure to the existing towpath.

The floating towpath has closed the gap between localresidents living to the south-west of the A12 and theTesco supermarket at Three Mills.

The new facility has also been well received by regularusers of the Limehouse Cut as it provides a much morepleasant and direct route than walking or cycling alongthe footpath of the A12.

In July 2003, the floating towpath, believed to be thefirst in the UK, was officially unveiled, following fundingfrom Leaside Regeneration Ltd through its SRB6‘Communities in Business’ programme. It was also supported by the London Development Agency and theLondon Borough of Tower Hamlets. The total cost ofthe scheme was approx. £312,000.

It has since won the ‘Best New Cycle Facility in London’ award from the London Cycling Campaign.

before and after pictures showing the multi-use route

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Appendix 1

MODEL DESIGN BRIEF

This outline model brief can be modified oradapted to suit the specific requirements of aproposed project.

British Waterways’ experience in the development of multi-use routes can beshared to assist other navigation authorities.

INTRODUCTION

The qualities of the waterway heritage andenvironment appeal to many millions of people acrossthe UK. As a traffic free, linear and evenly gradedroute, waterway towpaths are increasingly being seenas attractive off road multi use routes which can appealto a wide range of users, including cyclists anddisabled people

The variety and character of the inland waterwayscontribute greatly to their appeal, but also define thespatial dimensions available for shared multi-use.Some sections of waterway are extremely popular withthe potential for conflict between users, which meansmanagement issues need to be considered alongsidedesign and planning.

We are committed to supporting the multi use of ourtowpaths where it is physically safe and possible to doso, ensuring:

that is safe to cyclists and other users of thewaterway

that it conserves the intrinsic heritage andenvironmental qualities of the historic waterway

that is sustainable in the long term withmeasures for maintenance and managementfully integrated as part of the proposal.

No two waterway corridors are the same and thereforeproposals to develop multi use must take account ofboth local and strategic issues and the networks towhich it will be linked. There is no 'standard' to whichsuch routes can be constructed - what is needed is aplanned and designed approach deploying a consistentmethodology to satisfy our short and long termmanagement requirements.

The following brief has been developed to help guidethe design and planning process of a new or improvedmulti use route by the waterway.

DESIGN OBJECTIVES

This brief aims to plan and design a route that will co-exist and harmonise with other sections of towpath

to ensure that the character and scale of thetowpath environment is not adverselycompromised, either in terms of access or widthof route

to consider the structural integrity andsupporting waterway wall alongside the towpathroute

to implement a safe route with minimal need fordirectional signage or safety notices

to ensure the protection of historic structures,buildings and artefacts

to conserve and protect landscape, vegetation,views and archaeological interests

to conserve biodiversity, wildlife and habitats

to consider adjacent land use eg livestockrequiring fencing, angling pitches, moorings, etc

to fully consider operational issues such aswater quality and surface water drainage,contaminated land and proposals for disposal,and services and pipelines

SURVEY AND PROPOSALS

A survey incorporating the above is required at 1:1250scale accompanied with a written statement or reportoutlining all relevant issues and constraints.

This will consider impacts and mitigation measures atthe construction and maintenance phases of theproject, and will inform the design and planningprocess.

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Any proposals should be outlined on a generalarrangement drawing (ideally 1:500 scale), supportedby detailed drawings indicating how the works are to beconstructed. Particular attention should be paid to thejunctions between new and existing features andsurfaces, whether historic or not, as well as accessgradients.

Locations requiring specific detail designs are:

new or modified access points and ramps ontothe towpath

lockside areas and footbridges

approaches to and beneath bridge holes

at the base of existing access ramps

at the junction of other footpath routes

at established mooring locations and berths forservices and facilities

at information point locations

Further locations may be identified where detaildesign solutions are required, specific to thelength of waterway concerned.

Cross section drawings at 1:20 scale should beprovided at intervals along the route.

DESIGN OPTIONS

The following information is for guidance only, to informand support the proposal. They are not standarddetails, and each scheme will develop to suit its ownlocal circumstances.

Surfacing Options

It is generally accepted that a shared multi-use path ispreferable to an oversized and overscaled towpathroute. Shared use will normally allow the inclusion of agrass margin between the path and the edge of thewaterway. This is Important as a security device aswell as a refuge for both anglers and wildlife.

Two metres is considered to be the minimumdimension for a shared multi use path, although thiswill vary depending on anticipated use. If a wider pathis considered it should not be greater than threemetres.

Grass

If the anticipated use is likely to be low thenconsideration should be given to leaving the grasssurface intact and perhaps reinforcing the sub-structurewith geotextiles. This minimal impact will help toconserve the rural character of the area.

Access points, ramps, etc

Numerous options and designs exist for access points,ramps, footbridges, etc. These should always bedesigned with local character in mind, and must followguidance and legislation for disabled use.

MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Details of future maintenance and management of thescheme are to be considered and agreed beforeapproval to proceed will be given. These will state howthe site is to be made available for immediate use,proposals for reinstatement after settlement, etc.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The navigation authority will nominate or appoint aproject manager to advise and coordinate the schemeand administer the design and planning process ontheir behalf. A landscape architect is best placed toprepare the work connected with this brief.

The cost of this and any other professional adviceshould normally be recoverable from the project costs.

Once a design has been approved, further details ofspecification, cost and budget, method statements,CDM procedures, health and safety and contractmanagement systems will be required and will need tobe approved by the navigation authority or theirrepresentative before works start on site.

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Appendix 2

BIBLIOGRAPHY

AINA

Making more of your waterways

Managing inland waterway safety risks

Funding for navigation authorities

www.aina.org.uk

British Waterways

Motorcycles on towpaths : guidance on managing theproblem and improving access for all

Water Ways : Inland Waterways and Sustainable RuralTransport (in association with the Environment Agency,Countryside Agency and AINA)

www.britishwaterways.co.uk/

Countryside Agency

On the Right Track : surface requirements for shareduse routes

By all reasonable means : ways to encourage accessfor all

Greenways : an initial evaluation

Non-motorised travel : a review of all UK research intonon-motorised travel published 1992-2002

www.countryside.gov.uk/publications

Visitor Safety in the Countryside Group

Visitor Safety in the Countrywww.vscg.co.uk/VSCGPublications

Sustrans

The National Cycle Network : Guidelines and PracticalDetailswww.sustrans.org.uk/

Government

Department for Transport–A safer journey to schoolwww.dft.gov.uk/

Institute of Highways and Transportation

The IHT, the Bicycle Association, the Cyclist's TouringClub and the Department of Transport worked togetherto produce the technical guidelines - "Cycle-FriendlyInfrastructure: Guidelines for Planning and Design".

www.iht.org/publications/technical/index.asp

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This guidance is also available to AINAmembers in electronic format via the AINAwebsite at www.aina.org.uk

Non AINA members can purchase copies ofthis guidance and should contact the AINAoffice for further details.

Acknowledgements:

Images: British Waterways, Broads Authority,Cam Conservators, Environment Agency,Gillard-Read, Medway Valley CountrysidePartnership, Neath Canal Navigation

AINA wishes to thank Defra for its continuingsupport which has enabled it to produce thisguide as part of its research funding programme.

Published: April 2007

© AINA

Fearns WharfNeptune StreetLeeds LS9 8PB

T: 0113 2433125

F: 0113 2458394

www.aina.org.uk

Association of Inland Navigation Authorities

Representing the collective views of navigation authorities togovernment, regulators, other policy makers, funders andstakeholders;

Developing, sharing and promoting good practice for the operation,management and development of inland waterways for navigation andassociated purposes