TAFF TRAIL SPEED LIMIT DEBATE RAGES ONLINE
THERE has been a heated reaction to a mooted speed limit for cyclists along the Taff Trail.
The trail, which runs from the mouth of the Taff in Cardiff as far north as Brecon, is popular with cyclists as well as dog walkers, joggers and those out for a stroll.
A call for a speed limit to be implemented along the trail has sparked a debate online, with many calling for more respect and awareness from all parties.
On the WalesOnline Facebook page, Melanie Mardon asked: “Why can’t everyone be considerate of everyone??
“If people can see a cyclist then all budge up a little bit and keep your dogs under control... And cyclists when you see people and dogs just slow down a bit.”
Meanwhile, Richard Roberts wrote: “Seems everyone just needs to learn some mutual respect.
“I’m sure all the walkers and joggers would rather see people commute to work on a bicycle path than have to take the car like everyone else and increase the time they spend sitting in traffic every morning.”
There were some stories of cyclists behaving badly, including from Julia Ceschia, who said: “Last time we used the path a cyclist shouted and swore at my eight-year-old son because he had to slow down on his bike.”
But although it was a call for cyclists to be more civilised which prompted the row, some argued pedestrians were, at times, equally inconsiderate.
“I use the Taff Trail daily as a runner, walker and as a cyclist and in- creasingly find when I’m running or cycling that pedestrians take up the whole path and even when I ring my bell or call out to make my approach known, they ignore or deliberately stop to cut me up,” said Jody Buttle.
“The amount of times I’ve nearly come off my bike due to uncontrollable dogs is ridiculous. There just needs to be a bit of common sense and courtesy from all users.”
Tracey Davies added: “It’s great to see all people using it but people walking with dogs and with pushchairs should respect cyclists too, as in my experience this is not always the case.”
A few commentators brought up practical concerns of the proposal, with Donna Jones pointing out: “A speed limit is no good as bikes haven’t got a speedometer.
“Why not separate the path and add a bike lane to it?”
Deb Messy insisted the problem was not unique to the Taff Trail, writing: “I don’t use this particular path but it is the same on every ‘cycle’ path. I see the same complaints along the Llanelli cycle/coastal path.
“Although they are called cycle paths they are safe off-road paths to be used and enjoyed by everyone. Walkers, dog walkers, cyclists and in some places even bridle paths. They are NOT race tracks.”
On the other hand, Margaret Queen said: “I regularly walk my dogs on the Taff Trail and I have to say I find cyclists to be most courteous, slowing down and ringing their bells to alert to their presence, I tend to move my dogs to one side until they pass, which invariable gets a thank you from the cyclists.”
A Cardiff council spokesman said: “We ask everyone who uses the Taff Trail, including cyclists, pedestrians and dog walkers, to be courteous and show consideration to each other.”