Towpath Action Group facts for kids
The Towpath Action Group, or TAG, is a group in the United Kingdom. They work to make sure that paths next to canals, called towpaths, are easy for everyone to use. They want these paths to be open and safe for walkers, cyclists, and others.
How TAG Started
TAG began in Manchester in 1987. It started when a tutor named Don Lee took students on walks. They explored the canals of the city. These walks were part of a series called "Byways and Backwaters of Manchester."
One of their first trips was to the Rochdale Canal. There, a special team had fixed up a towpath. But when they visited again later, they found a wall blocking the path. This stopped people from using it.
The group decided to do something about this problem. They checked all the towpaths along the canal. They wrote a report about what they found. This report was called "Trouble on the Towpath." It was published in 1988. Around this time, the group officially became the Towpath Action Group.
What TAG Does
TAG continues to work for better towpaths. They want paths that go on and on without breaks. They also want them to be easy to get onto and use.
Their work has grown beyond Manchester. Important groups like British Waterways and Defra often ask TAG for advice. These are big organizations that manage waterways and the environment.
Some people from TAG have even joined official councils. For example, one founder member joined the Inland Waterways Amenity and Advisory Council. Another member helps the Inland Waterways Association.
TAG wants to build good relationships with everyone who uses towpaths. This includes walkers, cyclists, and people who fish. They also work with groups that protect the environment.
In 2001, TAG wrote a report for the House of Commons. This is part of the UK government. The report was called "Walking in Towns and Cities." It explained why city towpaths are important. It also gave ideas on how to pay for their upkeep.
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