We all understand that vegetation can grow over and onto paths, roads and cycle lanes from time to time. Indeed, the greenery is one thing that makes cycling and walking so attractive, after all. But what happens when it gets out of hand?
Overgrowth can be a problem in different ways when it comes to bike routes. Where there’s a split pavement, if the vegetation encroaches into the pedestrian side, this forces the pedestrians to walk into the cycling side – a problem for both parties, and a potential source of conflict. If cycle paths are poorly maintained in general, this can lead to increasing numbers of cyclists choosing to cycle on the road. Where a path isn’t split but is still shared by cyclists and pedestrians (e.g. the canal towpath), a narrowed width is a big problem – two parties cannot pass each other without one of them slowing significantly or even stopping altogether.
One might think that maintaining cycle ways would be fairly straightforward, just like maintaining the roads. But it’s more complex and difficult than you might realise; the main reason for this is that there are so many different agencies and organisations responsible for different types of path.
A lot of the vegetation grows on private land, which means it’s the responsibility of the landowner to cut it back – just like a hedge from someone’s front garden overhanging a pavement. Where there’s a path around a new housing development, the developer often enters into an agreement with the local council to maintain the path. If it’s a cycle path next to a road, these are maintained by the county council’s highways department, according to their policies and schedules. Then there are those alongside waterways – the canal towpath is maintained by the Canal and River Trust.
Ever heard the expression ‘too many cooks spoil the broth?’ With so may different parties involved, it’s no wonder our bike infrastructure is in such a state!
Rest assured, here at BACC we are actively working on ways to remedy the situation. We have just conducted a Bridgwater town BACC Path Maintenance Review and have raised 10 issues associated to overgrown paths, as a result.
Meanwhile, if you know of anywhere else that needs attention, you can report it to Somerset Highways here.