WHILE the enhancements to the Bridgewater towpath between Marsland Road and Broadheath are welcome and have made it a pleasant recreational spot, a darker side has emerged.

A minority of cyclists are now using the better surface and removed gates/obstacles to travel at great speed. regardless of how many walkers, runners, fishermen or whatever are in their path.

I use the towpath for running, don’t wear my headphones so I can hear what’s coming and try to stay to the side to allow for cyclists to pass, which on the whole works. It can be difficult when cyclists approach from the rear.

On Friday tea-time while out running with my young son, we were subjected to a torrent of verbal and potential physical abuse from a cyclist (bald, yellow/green top, blue sunglasses, green bike) for asking him to slow down a bit.

He had proceeded toward us at some speed and was shouting for us to get out of the way rather than slowing as he passed.

He stopped shortly after passing us and dismounted before launching into his attack. We were apparently selfish for using the towpath, which was actually a 'cycle path' and not for anyone else.

The cyclist added that had my son not been present, I would have received a 'good beating' and he accompanied his threats with a number of expletives.

He then rode off, ignoring the number of signs on Marsland Road bridge which show that the resource is there for all and that cyclists should actually dismount at certain points.

My son is obviously reluctant to use the canal again and I will think twice

Name and address supplied