Ducking Hell Rodders

Rhodri the Duck waddles into Swansea canal tow path safety campaign
By South Wales Evening Post  |  Posted: September 28, 2016


COMPARED to our chaotic roads you would think canal tow paths are a haven of safety but not according to Rhodri the duck they're not.

A new campaign has been launched to encourage people to slow down when travelling along the tow paths belonging to the Swansea Canal in a bid to improve safety. Whether on foot, enjoying a run, or on your bike the Canal and River Trust is encouraging you to slow down when passing others to improve safety for all.


Cassie Ward and Rhodri the duck mascot for Canal and River Trust launches a campaign to get cyclists joggers and walkers to slow down when using the tow path on Swansea Canal.
Two slogans have been developed to help drive the message home with one saying: "Be more tortoise and less hare." While "share the space, drop the space" is also being used to help people enjoy the scenery in safety.


Cassie Ward, operations team leader at the Canal and River Trust, said: "For many people our towpaths in Wales are among their most precious green spaces, antidotes to the pace and stress of the modern world and places to relax and unwind. They are super slow ways, providing a slice of peace and calm through the centres of our busiest cities.

"With so many people enjoying the towpaths in Wales, it's important that we all make an effort to be considerate towards one another to keep them the special place they are known for. We can all make a difference to someone else's day, and ultimately the overall experience people have when on the towpaths. Don't wait for someone to be nice to you before you are nice to them!"



Gordon Walker, a volunteer with the Swansea Canal Society, said: "We are more than happy to help support this initiative as we are all about helping people enjoy this wonderful waterway."

Of the message he added: "My running days disappeared with black and white television but I have seen some people, especially on bikes, racing along the banks and others out walking having to get out of the way sharpish. All we are asking is to show the same consideration as you would on the street."