Finally, humans and ducks can walk side-by-side along UK canal towpaths without getting under each other’s feet. As part of their #ShareTheSpace campaign, Britain’s Canal & River Trust have introduced “duck lanes” that run alongside the water’s edge, marking out a clear waddling space for everyone’s favourite feathered friends.
RT @BBCWalesNews: Ducking and diving – duck lanes painted on Brecon’s canal tow paths to help preserve the peace pic.twitter.com/GnVZ033Zj5
— Canal & River Trust (@CanalRiverTrust) October 9, 2015
Preserving the peace on our towpaths – find out more about #ShareTheSpace here: http://t.co/N6ixcjhrkv pic.twitter.com/yDHhKTlXIa
— Canal & River Trust (@CanalRiverTrust) October 9, 2015
It might seem like a slightly insane idea, but “duck lanes” are more about making a point than about making sure humans and ducks stick to clearly separated areas of the same path. As explained in the following video, the lanes are basically intended as a way of encouraging people using the paths — both cyclists and walkers — to be careful and sensible.
“Today they [the towpaths] are more popular than ever,” said Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust. “But with that success there can also be problems. We are calling on visitors to be considerate of one another, share the space on the towpath and help make our waterways available for everyone to enjoy.”