Forum Topic

Thames River Path closed to Cyclists & Runners (Bank Holiday)

This bank holiday weekend the Thames River Path between Chsiwick Mall & Putney Birdge is closed to all cyclists and runners.It is open for walkers & dog walkers.This is from Friday to Sunday 10am to 6pmSo get your run/cycle in early or find a different route.

Richard Potts ● 2400d49 Comments

Brilliant news I can do my postal delivery in safety  on Saturday.

Paul Brown ● 2400d

Why is that?

David Powers ● 2400d

This is a good idea and I wish it would be extended to all parks too.  Whilst most people try to keep a distance some runners and many park and pavement  cyclists are quite happy to brush past me without a care.

David Turner ● 2400d

I'm very much a part time(occasional)  bike person, but went for a ride a little earlier. There's barely any traffic on the roads and it seems perfectly safe to use the roads on a bike, even for those with little confidence. There is certainly no need/excuse for pavement use (still plenty doing it though), and there are plenty of pleasant / quiet routes that allow for easy social distancing. 

Rob Reynolds ● 2400d

Rob is correct.

Steve Taylor ● 2400d

Just walked my dog down the Mall to Hammersmith Bridge.I gave up half way and walked back along the delightful A4.There are no signs up and the place is crowded with walkers, bikes and even more joggers. This was a Hammersmith and Fulham decision but they have obviously zoomed off to their weekend isolation retreats before putting out the signs.My advice, whatever your preferred activty, is to avoid river walks (and anywhere scenic) unless you seek close proximity with your fellow human.

Richard Potts ● 2400d

Reported to their twitter account. Not hoping for much :(

Paul Brown ● 2400d

Completely impossible to impose and being a council desision it's for the council to manage such actions Who thought it could be imposed. I only just found out now. In fact given the makeup of the stretch who thought it would work

Julian Pavey ● 2400d

This is a Hammersmith & Fulham initiative which applies to the Thames Path in their borough from the Hounslow boundary near the eastern end of Chiswick Mall as far as Putney Bridge.  It applies from 10am to 6pm today, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday."Hammersmith & Fulham Council, in co-ordination with the police, will enforce the closure for cyclists and runners on the path.Cyclists and runners will be asked to use alternative routes and the measure will be backed up by police and warden patrols. The passage by the historic Dove pub will also be closed to all.On Hammersmith Bridge a queuing system is also being temporarily introduced to avoid people overtaking each other and to ensure the two metre rule is enforced. Marshalls will be in place to explain the procedure to bridge users."Walkers on Chiswick Mall should be aware that spring tides this weekend will flood the Mall today around 5pm and tomorrow from 5.30pm.  For latest tide information, see thamestides.org.uk/now>/a>.

Richard Jennings ● 2400d

That passage should be made one way. Breading zone for the virus.

Paul Brown ● 2400d

Sorry, that link should bethamestides.org.uk/now

Richard Jennings ● 2400d

So has this measure been announced this morning with no prior notice and no co-ordination with other neighbouring councils?

Francis Rowe ● 2399d

I would have a guess that the answer is yes.What you do is announce something out of the blue which most people will not know about,and when you cant police the action taken the public that do know about this will turn on those that dont and the situation becomes even more of a problem. Its not like the path has one entrance in and one entrance out. But i say this on the back of not being on the path in question myslef

Julian Pavey ● 2399d

The LBHF announcement is dated today and there's no prior hint on their transport and roads news page.https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/articles/news/2020/04/thames-path-closed-runners-and-cyclists-10am-6pm-over-holiday-weekend

Richard Jennings ● 2399d

We've seen less confident cyclists on the empty roads (and what an opportunity) but also unfortunately some who just think that empty space is a licence to speed - cars in the 20mph, cyclists going round corners as if they trying for a PB and children racing on bikes in the park unescorted and completely oblivious to how close they have been to walkers and other users.

Philippa Bond ● 2399d

The report on this site mentions that Richmond and Wandsworth have been asked for comment but not Hounslow for some reason.If it is being enforced that means that when a jogger or cyclist gets to Chiswick Mall going east they will have to turn back the way they came. This doesn't serve to reduce social distancing overall but improves the problem in a limited area while making it worse elsewhere. Really poor planning.

Francis Rowe ● 2399d

Just been for a six miler on Shank's Pony and disappointed to see how many cyclists still use the footpath (it is for FEET)even though the roads are next to empty. One even brushed against me as they passed from behind.

Keith Iddon ● 2399d

The footpath along the river in Hammersmith was being marshalled by police and wardens last weekend. Along Dove Passage, cyclists were made to dismount and joggers were made to walk. Anyone who sat down on a bench or on one of the greens were moved on. From Dove Passage to Riverside Studios, which is just the other side of Hammersmith Bridge, they have painted white lines on the paving 2m part and ruined the place. No-one is marching in lines 2m apart, anyway – a complete joke. I explained to one of the Policemen that COVID-19 is all a scam, anyway, and that he should do some research and establish what it’s really all about. He said he would.

Michael Brown ● 2399d

Looks like Cv has simply exacerbated people's existing, perhaps innate, need to point fingers - now with added hysteria and moral panic. Take care out there folks and keep apart.

Michael Laird ● 2399d

The police are out risking their lives and bet they loved hearing about your conspiracy theories, give it a rest, it is not a scam and people are dying you idiot.

James Smith-Jones ● 2399d

MichaelTherein lies the problem, people aren't keeping apart, hence my post on Social Distancing in shops - what part stay 2m away from others don't some cerebrally challenged muppets understand ?

Loraine Pemberton ● 2399d

It is an emergency situation and necessary. There are alternative routes along A4. I live riverside and it has become very dangerous and too overcrowded. We do need notices and enforcement though as people are still cycling and running without keeping distance. A a runner the worrying thing is 2m is not enough with airflow issues. Get out early.

Caroline Carrington ● 2399d

"I explained to one of the Policemen that COVID-19 is all a scam, anyway, and that he should do some research and establish what it’s really all about. He said he would."Not surprising, they're trained not to antagonise idiots.

Ken Munn ● 2399d

The passage outside The Dove is closed and you have to go around the road, there are tens of workers enforcing the no running and no cycling, at all possible entrances and along the way as well,. They confirmed it was just for this weekend.  It was pretty empty at midday today, the biggest problem still being the little delhi at the end of Chiswick mall which causes a pinch point.

Kirsten Donovan ● 2398d

Think there is a good case for a permanent ban of cyclists and joggers at the weekend during British Summer Time say from 11am to 6pm. I say this as someone who both cycles and jogs by the river. When walking I find cyclists and runners invariably courteous but it does distract from the experience and collision don't seem to be rare.

Francis Rowe ● 2398d

Trying to keep up with our allowed morning constitutional which takes us along the A316 over Twickenham Bridge down on to the towpath by Old Deer Park and then over Richmond Lock Bridge to the Twickenham side, and  then along the towpath back to Isleworth. Noted that this week two large No Entry signs with explanatory notices have been put at the entrance to the steps on the Twickenham Side because the lock bridge is narrow and social distancing is well nigh impossible, so you can only cross from Richmond over to Twickenham one way. Needless to say the manic jogging fraternity tried ignoring this only to come face to face with irate people going the right way and pointing out the folly of their ways, with much objection. Quite honestly if you can't see those two signs then you really shouldn't be out alone, what is wrong with these people? By all means exercise but can you please not behave as if your lives depended on tearing along regardless of anyone else, ditto the cyclists who zoom up behind you as if they were on the Tour de France- get a bell and use it for God's sake!

Vanessa Smith ● 2398d

When walking I find cyclists and runners invariably courteous but it does distract from the experience and collision don't seem to be rare.The dogs running around freely this morning along the river path whilst their owners walked in 2's next to each other somewhat diminished my experience as well as my attempts to socially distance. This said I would never advocate to ban dog walkers.

Matthew Swain ● 2398d

Isnt it illegal to waste police time?

Matthew Swain ● 2398d

Good im pleased it's closed I had to make a home delivery down in Chiswich Mall on Friday it was like a giant street party with someone cooking from a makeshift stall and the parents and children out in the river looking for stuff. Doesn't any body understand that they must stay at home but if out follow the 2m rule.You have brought this on yourselves.

Garry Diamond ● 2397d

Good im pleased it's closed I had to make a home delivery down in Chiswich Mall on Friday it was like a giant street party with someone cooking from a makeshift stall and the parents and children out in the river looking for stuff. Doesn't any body understand that they must stay at home but if out follow the 2m rule.You have brought this on yourselves.

Garry Diamond ● 2397d

Even before the outbreak and requirement for social distancing it has been necessary to walk in single file along certain sections of the Thames Path because of a constant stream of joggers and cyclists coming up behind you. If it is less busy you cannot really blame people for walking side by side if they are unaware you are approaching. As for dogs putting them on leads might be counterproductive because people walking with a dog at heel might find it harder to socially distance.I stopped going to the river when it was likely to be busy some time ago because it just wasn't relaxing because of the need to be always aware of joggers and cyclists. I'm not blaming them as they have every right to be there and, as I said, are nearly always courteous, but it would make some sense to have seasonal restrictions with faster moving users of the path banned when it is likely to be busier.

Francis Rowe ● 2395d

I too have mostly stopped using riverside paths whilst cycling, because it's just not feasible to socially distance because of too many people (actually this is true for pedestrians as well, though a little easier).I have to say, though, in several years of regularly cycling along paths I have yet to see a collision (other than between myself and a very spiky hedge near Hammersmith).

Guy Lambert ● 2395d

Francis I’m afraid cyclists do NOT have the right to be on the towpath, at least for much of its stretch. There are several No Cycling signs but people are too stupid or arrogant to take heed.

Lucy Brennan ● 2394d

There are several No Cycling signs but people are too stupid or arrogant to take heedAre you related to Steve Taylor?

Matthew Swain ● 2394d

Whoever LEB is related to, it's simply a fact that there are several No Cycling signs along the Thames path and that many people pay no attention to them.

Colin Jordan ● 2394d

As far as I know the only no cycling bits of the Thames path between Richmond and Putney Bridges are a short stretch by a park between Richmond and Isleworth, the footpath at Strand-On-The-Green, The Corney Reach estate and the footpath from Chiswick Mall to Dukes Meadows, outside The Dove and next to another pub in Fulham.I never cycle those because it's not allowed. Also (with the exception of Corney Reach) they really are too narrow. I've seen the odd cyclist on some of those but the majority avoid the prohibited bits.On the south side I'm less familiar, but my impression is that it's all bikeable except maybe under Barnes Railway Bridge - don't think it's prohibited but it's very narrow - and Hammersmith where it says cyclists dismount - I think because the bridge is low and they may bash their heads.

Guy Lambert ● 2394d

hoever LEB is related to, it's simply a fact that there are several No Cycling signs along the Thames path and that many people pay no attention to them.Cant say I agree when reflecting on the Chiswick riverside and sourouding areas, for example I have not seen anyone cycling on the strand on the green in a long time likewise with the Dove Passage which has had some really ugly barriers installed. So based on 'facts' which area are you referring to where No Cycling signs are ignored by the many?

Matthew Swain ● 2394d

Cyclists are a continual nuisance along Strand on the Green footpath where there are small no cycling signs which are disregarded. Hounslow Highways has been asked to supply large clear no cycling signs as per those introduced on the Chiswick Mall to Putney stretch but maintain these do not conform to national standards and will not therefore be provided for Stand on the Green footpath.

Strand on the green association ● 2394d

Any regular user of the path either on Strand on the Green or by the Old Ship will tell you that cyclists are constantly ignoring the signs. It may be that they don't understand that a cycle in a red circle means no cycling.However, they rarely cycle in a way that causes a hazard and, particularly on Strand on the Green, if they are approaching a bit quickly the trick is do not to catch their eye and allow them a way through close to the rivers edge. They slow down.

Francis Rowe ● 2394d

STOG is not place for cycling even if you were allowed,  its particularly dangerous after high tide when the passage is muddy and wet. Since when can you not cycle past the old ship? The disembark sign was removed in the passage past Old Ship that leads to Linden House and the rest of the mall is a road.

Matthew Swain ● 2394d

It seems that some contributors are as unaware of where cycling is and isn't prohibited as the occasional errant cyclist on SOTG. That explains some of the filthy looks and muttering from pedestrians when cycling where I am allowed to be. Guy has accurately cited the stretches where cycling is prohibited, it is allowed by the Old Ship and I believe that the enforceability of the Corney Reach signs is disputed due to private ownership although I agree that the path is too narrow there to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians and Pumping Station Road is a quiet alternative for pedallers. The passage by the Dove is easily circumvented via a dog leg up to the A4 path and through Furnival Gardens.I regularly walk on SOTG and have only rarely seen people cycling there. On most occasions they seem to be young tourists on Santander bikes and I admit to feeling a grudging respect for how far west they had managed to get on those heavy bikes. A couple of times they have been rather more intimidating local youths for whom ignoring the no cycling signs may be the least of their misdemeanours that day or any other day.

Paul Campbell ● 2394d

Are you referring to the H&F Borough signs asking cyclists to slow down or have some new signs been introduced? Like others I am avoiding the area due to the impracticality of social distancing on that stretch of the river so I am not aware of new signs that may have gone up.

Paul Campbell ● 2394d

Always thought that stretch west of the Old Shop was no cycling. If I am going that way myself I take the path next to the Black Lion and dismount until I get to the sailing club. Perhaps I got into the habit of doing this because of the step rather than any restriction.Can't say I have ever seen a Santander bike at Strand on the Green although they do appear further up the river. You can hire them from Hammersmith so the distances are not that great. Other cyclists are prevalent on Strand on the Green but I can't remember the last time I saw one who wasn't prepared to give priority to pedestrians.

Francis Rowe ● 2394d

Always thought that stretch west of the Old Shop was no cycling. If I am going that way myself I take the path next to the Black Lion and dismount until I get to the sailing club. This route is part of my commute which I am of course not doing at present.  From Chiswick Mall to the path next to Black Lion you can either take the passage at the back or divert onto the river path, the latter is not ideal for cyclists.The passage past the old ship leading to the sailing club used to be a 'cyclist dismount' section but that has been removed.

Matthew Swain ● 2394d

It looks like I got so in the habit of dismounting at this section I didn't see the sign had been removed. Not sure the removal would have been official.

Francis Rowe ● 2393d

Probably removed unofficially or maybe I'm being a tad cynical.

Loraine Pemberton ● 2393d

No, the signs weren't removed unofficially. They was replaced by 'Pedestrian Priority' signs set into the pavement.

Francesca Gregory ● 2393d

...were replaced.Also, regarding the passage outside the Dove, the blue rectangular sign stating 'cyclists dismount' is only advisory - it's not a not a cycling prohibited sign which would be a red circle with a diagonal line through it.

Francesca Gregory ● 2393d

Pedestrian priority and a 5mph speed limit applies in some areas south of the river and that seems to work okay unless it is very busy.

Francis Rowe ● 2393d