3.8.2
Original Document
Birmingham’s canal network is an important part of the city’s historic legacy. But much of the canal network is currently hidden from view. Parts of the network have been substantially improved over recent years, most notably at the Mailbox, Gas Street Basin and Brindleyplace, but other parts are unattractive and do not feel secure. The canal network has the potential to attract more people and activities and act as a safe alternative movement network, whilst maintaining the industrial character.
Plain English Translation
A lot of Birmingham’s canals are currently hidden from view. Parts of the network have been improved over recent years, at the Mailbox, Gas Street Basin and Brindley Place, but some other parts are unattractive and do not feel secure.
The canals could attract more people and activities and act as a safe alternative way to get around the city cenre (by walking or cycling alongside).
The water bus was a good idea but too infrequent and pricey. A similar scheme with a bigger investment could work and attract more people to the Canals. Work definitely needs to be done to the old Fiddle and Bone site and the canal past the Flapper and Firkin needs some much needed work.
As a cyclist and regular user of Birmingham's canal system, I would suggest re-paving (or in some cases, simply paving) the towpaths will dramatically improve the situation. As soon as you get out of the central city area, potholes, mud, loose paving stones and overgrown pathways become a real issue.
I often walk and cycle along the canals and love them. Like Dubber, I think their surfaces could be improved upon. Another thing that might be useful is signage actually along the canals, once you get down there it's hard to know where to 'alight' for where you want to be without continually popping your head out of gthe network.
I'd agree regarding the quality of the surface around the canal, once you leave the 'main' centre, i.e towards wolverhampton it's suddenly grass/chips; when wet with the amount of cycle and foot traffic it doesn't end up the best and is hard to traverse.
Also like Nicky said, once you are in the network, you have no idea where you are spatially compared to the landscape and roads etc.
That said, the network is lovely, and just needs to be considered more so than it has.