This path is beautiful both to walk and to cycle. Unfortunately, the two interests can easily be in conflict, mainly due to the lack of awareness of this conflict of interests, and the lack of basic good manners.
On Monday, February 18 I cycled from Tavistock to Ermington (a few miles south of Ivybridge) and back to Tavistock, a round trip of 46 miles. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon and on the way back from Yelverton, on Route 27, there were many people with dogs, children and also other cyclists.
Obviously, care is needed to cycle with such a mix of users on the route and in general there are no problems. However, every so often one comes across a group who leave no room for a cyclist and I was forced to stop completely on two occasions. No real problem with this; however, near the bottom of this section, close to the Redrow Estate, I came towards a group of four, or five, adults walking towards me, right across the path.
I was forced to stop in front of them, with my wheel a few inches from the left-hand gravel gulley, as there was absolutely no room to get past. I politely asked the man in front of me if he could have left me room to get past and he was immediately extremely abusive, and foul mouthed and told me that it was a footpath and that I should clear off before he lost his temper.
Many cyclists will use this path for serious exercise and I feel that it can only be a matter of time before trouble of one form, or another, occurs as we move into the first spring and summer of this excellent facility.
It may be worth adding that I am not some hot-headed youth, but a 70-year-old retired professional who is delighted to see this new recreational facility and more than happy to share it with all-comers.
Maybe some sort of basic and clear advice to all users should be posted at either end of this section of the path? Such as: 'Cyclists, slow down and be careful when meeting and passing dogs and children', 'Walkers, please be aware of other users and allow cyclists room to get past', and 'Please show courtesy to all other users of this path'.
Charlie Beilby
Lakeside, Tavistock