Canoeing is not a crime!

In England and Wales, canoeists have no recognized legal right to enjoy rivers or lakes. River access agreements don’t work, and the only prospect for improvement lies in legislation.

You can read more about the problem on the canoeing is not a crime website. More importantly, you can sign the WCA’s petition. It doesn’t matter whether you live or indeed paddle in Wales or not. It will take about 30 seconds to complete.

The Government of Wales Act (2006) requires the Assembly to act on petitions received if an issue falls within their powers, so this petition can make a difference if enough people sign. It worked in Scotland with the Land Reform Act, so there is no reason it can’t work in Wales.

Success in Wales would bring canoeing there in line with Scotland, and would increase pressure to introduce similar legislation in England. So get signing!

Leave a Reply