FOLK band the River Rat Pack will be entertaining cyclists on The Regent s Canal this evening as part of a campaign to make the towpaths safer during National Bike Week this week. The band will be performing from the roof of a canal barge moored by the Pa

FOLK band the River Rat Pack will be entertaining cyclists on The Regent's Canal this evening as part of a campaign to make the towpaths safer during National Bike Week this week.

The band will be performing from the roof of a canal barge moored by the Palm Tree pub in Mile End Park, off Grove Road from 4.30-7pm today (Monday) as part of a week-long series of events to educate speeding cyclists to slow down and share the towpath with other people.

British Waterways' Towpath Ranger, Joseph Young explains: "The canals in London are brilliant routes across the city, without the usual hassles of cars, traffic lights and pollution.

"There's a towpath Code of Conduct, which advocates common sense and courtesy that we expect users to abide by to make sure everyone enjoys their time by the water.

"Unfortunately a minority of speeding cyclists give the majority a bad name with other users, particularly pedestrians.

"We think that fun, sociable events on the towpath reminding people to slow down, look out for their fellow commuters and remember that pedestrians have the right of way are more effective than us shouting at people to slow down.

"More and more cyclists are remembering to slow down, ting their bells to warn pedestrians they are approaching and generally using the towpaths sensibly.

"It would be great to see a bit of self-policing with other users reminding those who give them a bad name to slow down or use an alternative route that's better for travelling at speed.