As we both walk and cycle regularly, we are interested in your correspondence about the proposed Devizes canal towpath.

Clearly cars or lorries don’t really mix with bikes, but neither do bikes mix with pedestrians. The best option on Devizes canal towpath would be to have a smooth hard surface for faster cycling but divide it into two lanes, marked at intervals by icons painted on the ground or on signs, one lane for bikes, the other for walkers, each lane for use in both directions.

It might need widening right to the canal edge and to the hedge edge, and for safety, railings along the canal edge.

The dividing line might also be actual railings to separate bikes from walkers, or merely double white lines. I accept that this option adds expense and “urbanises” the setting to a degree which might be unacceptable.

Secondly, why not have a surface which is rough enough and slightly loose to keep bike speeds down to about 10mph, so that walkers have more time to react, and cyclists more time to slow down?

Examples of this standard of surface are the paths in Lydiard Park and on the old railway path in Swindon’s Old Town. Both are basically gravel, but not too loose.

The gravel surface would be the preferred option for Devizes as it would keep speeds down so that everybody would have time to enjoy their journey more.

Richard and Judy Gosnell, Vowley View, Royal Wootton Bassett.