A frosty but bright start greeted us in Abingdon-on-Thames this morning. There are lots of wonderful ways to exercise beside the River Thames on such a morning. A gaggle of geese start us off with a gentle stretch.
The more energetic 5km park run begins at 9:00am and sets off at a gallop down the farm road by Rye Farm.
Then there is rowing
and cycling …
and walking. Dog walkers stride or amble the circuit across the weir, and back along the other bank – possibly much further.
The possibilities are almost endless … games of tag, stretching, sit-ups, press-ups, lifting, and tree tugging etc. etc. etc.
I notice from the photos the same old boats that have been moored there all summer are still there. When will the council and EA get a grip and serve notice on these boats. I have to pay mooring fees and so should they
Shame to see the cyclists ignoring the no cycling signs.
The Thames Path is a well used footpath. Cycling is not allowed on footpaths unless they are specifically designated as joint use pavements, or they have the permission of the landowner. Tyres cause huge ruts, especially over the muddy winter months, making the paths
so much more difficult to use for those who walk them daily.
I’ve never known anywhere to be so anti-cycling as Abingdon. National cycle routes that make you get off and walk. A complete lack of good infrastructure. Where this is infrastructure you get shouted at by ignorant people that think you are breaking the law. And drivers that give you the close pass for intimidation. Compared to Cambridge, Abingdon is very conservative. This is you have congestion and pollution.
I’d say the cycling infrastructure meets my needs as a regular joe cyclist: there’s a cycle lane almost all the way round the perimeter of Abingdon and through most estates (e.g. Dunmore, Peachcroft). I generally get where I need to go safely
What perplexes me are the cyclists who insist on using the road when there’s a perfectly good cycling lane alongside. “We’re legally allowed to be there” seems to be the normal reply – to which I’d say why put yourself closer to cars vs. cycling more safely in the cycle lane?
Having moved to Abingdon 7 years ago from a large town in Surrey, I found the availability of cycle paths and shared use paths here to much greater. I guess Abingdon doesn’t compare to Cambridge, but we aren’t the worst.
The specific issue I raised initially, was regarding cycling on footpaths. The photograph shows cyclists on the Thames Path. As a life-long cyclist (both road and mtb), I am familiar with the law on cycling on footpaths, cycle paths, shared use paths and on the road. It would seem that education is necessary on both sides – cyclists and non cyclists. The law is the law, even if it doesn’t suit your idea of a good day out in the saddle.
For goodness sake!! I walked by the river yesterday – a beautiful day, lots of families walking there, lots of children riding bikes, running around, having fun. We are damned lucky to live here. Can we start rejoicing in our town rather than this constant belittling of it. It must be so depressing to be Mr Blog and show these beautiful photos and then have to read all the negative comments that follow.
I couldn’t agree more! These photos are an absolute delight, and remind me of why I have taken the positive decision to live here.
The path is not awash with pedestrians, leaping out of the cyclists way. I’m going to give the cyclists the benefit of the doubt and say that they gave any pedestrians that they came across, an extremely wide birth. Assuming that cyclists are permitted on the grass su? I need to brush up on my cycling rules
SMN I’m sure backstreeter doesn’t worry about the comments. He seems like a very intelligent person so I’m sure he knows there are some people in life who like to moan.
Having said that – can anyone clarify if the ock walk is a cycle path or not?
Steve. Using the cycle path creates an extra interface when crossing the roads that’s feed off the ring road, which can be damgerous. Fortunately cyclists have every right to ride on the ring road. Showing people respect and consideration on the road is very important.
Well done Backstreeter for some fantastic photos.
I agree Langer. Plus i think it depend if you are leisurely using your bike to get around, or using it to commute or get somewhere….like using an A road or motorway as opposed to the country back roads. I commute on a bike daily from Abingdon to Oxford…and i use all the available routes and resources available to me as i feel appropriate at the time. I find that that is safest.
Boring!
Bored!
parkrun starts at 9am by the way.