I walk along the Oxford Thames towpath between Rose Hill, Iffley and Donnington Bridge every day and have done so for many years with my previous dogs and now my new pooch.

I would like to highlight some concerns I have about safety issues on this route. Do any of your readers have the same reservations?

It is certainly a very scenic walk with a meandering river and different wildlife to see, plus all the river activity of barges, boats and rowers all adding to an interesting and relaxing walk.

But I have to stop every few metres to give way to cyclists and runners who think the towpath is only for them and that no-one else should use it.

I spend most of my walk (normally more than an hour and a half) giving way to these people who, on occasions, have been incredibly rude, barging past, nearly mowing me and my dog down. We nearly end up in the river.

They are obviously, in their tiny minds, wondering why we are there at all.

I am not saying all runners and cyclists behave like this since most I encounter are very well mannered and say thank you.

But there are some who use the path like a grand prix race course, and God help anyone who gets in their way!

I dread to think what might happen to anyone with a hearing impairment. Only the other day, I was barged into by a cyclist accompanying some university rowers.

I did not hear him coming up behind me, and instead of stopping, he went straight through us and knocked into me. I was quite shaken and shouted at him.

All he could say was that he could not stop: well, I am sorry, nor could I!

After reading an article recently in the Edinburgh Evening News, I noticed that cycle shops in Scotland are offering free cycle bells to warn pedestrians of oncoming cyclists on towpaths, hopefully preventing confrontation and accidents.

This will not help people with hearing difficulties though - any ideas on this?

I would have thought it is down to the council or the universities to remedy this situation rather than bike shops - but any solution would be gratefully received.

Surely no-one wants anyone ending up in the river (especially as the towpath is narrowing due to erosion)?

Whether pedestrian, cyclist, or runner, we all have a right to use the towpath and enjoy whatever activity we choose, don't we?

Fiona Daly, Rivermead Road, Rose Hill, Oxford