This poem won me Letter of the Week in our local paper.  I don't expect it to bring me popularity in all circles, however!

 

What with pollution and the price of fuel,

Cycling should be a good thing.

But do I want them on our towpaths?

Well, not with the trouble they bring.

 

I remember when my son was twelve,

We each jumped ashore with a rope,

Then as we tried to pull our boat in,

The reaction was not what you’d hope.

“Thank you!” said a sarcastic snooty voice

As a man had to pause on his bike.

We held him up for all of ten seconds,

Such rudeness I do not like!

 

The very existence of towpaths

Was for barges and boats, I’m sure,

Yet people like this curt cyclist

Seem to forget what they are for.

And guess who pays for the usage?

Well, not the cyclists, please note,

It’s included in the river licence

So paid for by those with a boat.

 

Sign by the river in our village says

Pedestrians have priority,

No reference of boaters whatsoever.

We’re the unmentioned minority.

 

Often it’s me that’s the pedestrian

So I should be the one with the say,

But when a cyclist comes at you,

You tend to step out of the way.

When zooming silently up behind me,

They give me quite a fright,

Meant to slow down and ring their bell

But there’s only some that might.

 

A few smile and thank me nicely,

And I like to live and let live,

But most assume right of way what

Ever message that sign may give.

So what priority is there?

I can’t be the only clown,

It’s walkers that give way to cyclists

To save from being mowed down!