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Pedestrians have called for a speed limit on the Taff Trail after claims some cyclists are becoming “increasingly aggressive”.

The battles between some cyclists, walkers and dog owners have been well documented, but now dog owners and pedestrians are calling for a clampdown on speed.

There is currently no speed limit on the trail, although the by-law states that dogs have to be kept under control.

Jane Elliott wrote on Facebook: “Would all local dog walkers (who pick up their dog poo) like to start getting hold of council and demand a speed limit on the Taff Trail for cyclists. It is for pedestrian use as well as bikes, dogs, toddlers etc. It is ridiculous that they are allowed on a public path to ride as fast as they do with no consideration to anyone.”

She claimed: “They are increasingly aggressive to anyone who confronts them. There have been numerous accidents with cyclists hitting joggers, dogs and kids.”

That comment sparked a debate on social media about how it could be enforced.

One suggested a similar system to ones in Australia and Amsterdam where there are different bike and walking lanes, others reported cyclists doing speeds of “up to 30mph”, others complained that some dog walkers were not keeping their dogs under control.

Penny Bowers, chair of the Friends of Hailey Park in Llandaff North, says that people need to report incidents and better education is needed for people using the trail.

“This has been a problem for a long time, but no-one has yet come up with a solution,” she said.

“People need to report any issues that arise to the local authority. People are just not reporting any issues and the council can’t do anything if it is not reported.

“The cyclists seem to think that it is cycle path, but it is a path that is there for everyone and what would help is if they killed their speed, especially with the parks and busy areas.”

Cyclists think a speed limit would be hard to enforce

CycleStuffblog, who shares all issues surrounding cycling in Cardiff, said: “The Taff trail is a shared path and all users need to be courteous and sensible when using it.

“Cyclists need to keep speed low around other users, dog walkers need to keep dogs on a leash and pedestrians need to be mindful of all other groups.

“A speed limit would be hard to enforce and lead to unnecessary discourse. Cyclists keen on cycling quickly through the city can do so on the road.”

poll loading Should there be a speed limit? 0+ VOTES SO FAR YES NO

Ken Barker, secretary of Cardiff Cycling Campaign, agrees it would be difficult to enforce.

He said: “Cardiff Cycling Campaign does not approve of setting speed limits as many cyclists do not have the means to know their speed and the appropriate speed relates to the path or track conditions including the space available to manoeuvre and the presence of pedestrians, dogs, etc. on shared paths.

“The campaign would be happy with advice to slow down / give way especially where there is reduced visibility, recognising that it is the responsibility of both parties to negotiate their movements and to keep left except where overtaking.”

A spokesman for Cardiff council said: “We ask everyone who uses the Taff Trail, including cyclists, pedestrians and dog walkers, to be courteous and show consideration to each other.”

Safe Routes organisation Sustrans has guidelines for how people should use the path.

A spokeswoman said: “We believe that all users of shared-use paths shold use the paths with consideration for each other, whether they be cyclists, pedestrians, dog-walkers or any other user.

“Shared use paths away from the road help many people make their everyday journeys safely and they are also important for leisure.

“Many people including young, elderly and disabled people benefit from shared paths, which provide valuable opportunities to travel in a traffic-free environment, and to relax, unwind and play.

“All users of shared use paths have responsibilities for the safety of others they are sharing space with.

“People riding bikes tend to be the fastest movers on these paths and particularly need to consider their speed so not to startle other people, particularly those who are frail or who have reduced sight, hearing or mobility.”

If you need to report any behaviour on the Taff Trail, the number to call is 029 2087 2087 to complain. If it is of a criminal nature, the number to call is 101.