The towing is a terrestrial mode of traction of the Péniche S and requiring for that a released way skirting the ways of water, named “tow path”.

History

Development

The traction of the barges along the rivers and channels was very widespread before the invention of engines adapted to the boats, the use of veils not being always possible because of the presence of tunnels, bridges or due to unfavourable winds.

One distinguishes three modes from terrestrial traction from the ships and barges:

• towing with the “trifle”: the marine and his family stuck to the cord of traction, called arranges, to draw the boat;
• the animal Haulage, by horses, ass S or Mule S: it was especially practiced (in France) in the Center; the animals belonged to the marine, who placed them on board, or carters, called the “long days”, who had relay, along the water ways. In 1935, one counted 1.500 more boats stables in France.
• motor traction, by electric power trolleys on rail or tractors of the forest type (Latil).

Other modes of traction exist (towing, Poussage, lockful, Touage…), but do not require a tow path.

Disuse

The development of the motorized propulsion supplanted tractions human and animal and the tow paths were not any more any utility for the river navigation. During last years nevertheless, a certain number of tow paths found a new vocation, since they were refitted for the Tourisme and the bicycle touring, like Véloroute. Although they do not have of it any more the function, the old tow paths are always indicated like such.

One of most famous of them is the Tow path of Mayenne (in Mayenne, France) which extends on 85 km.

Operation

Seul the takeoff of the barge is painful . The horses must then give a large blow of collar. Afterwards, it is nothing any more but one regular traction throughout the course, facilitated by the slip of the boat on water. A mobile towing angle fixed at a mast allows a counterbalancing directed by the carter and decreases the sorrow of the animal.

Legal mode

In France

In order to guarantee the integrity of the tow paths, in the interest of the marines, the bordering properties of the river public domain are burdened with a constraint of towing (space of 7,80 meters in edge of the river). The circulation of the cars on the tow paths is of this fact in theory prohibited and liable to a infringment of great roadway system. In spite of the development of the motorization of the boats, the constraint remains, but for the approval of the walkers.

See too

• Vault of Saint-Quentin, a mechanical towing

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