You have got to sort things out on the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath – Canal and River Trust .
l was verbally threatened this morning by a jogger – with a dog running in front of him – on the downward incline to Grosvenor Bridge. It was after sounding my bicycle warning horn – and ignoring my warning – he refused my polite request to call his dog over so l could pass.
Telling me all cyclists speed along the towpath – and waving his finger in my face – he told me – with teeth clenched – to remember his.
I took that as making a threat. Must admit l was visibly shaken.
I have in five years always sought to share that path. Have always given warning. I don’t own a flashy bike with all the gear. It is a working machine equipped with the means of warning people.
He told me he has priority. I told him the signs along the towpath say pedestrians and children. I could equally argue the dog was not under proper control.
I will remember his face.
I did not raise my voice or return the swear words he left me with. I could cycle off without the need for a ‘f–k’ off to send me on my way.
Pure aggression. I don’t like it.
