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Yes, don't underestimate the amount of anti-cyclist feeling by other towpath users. It may be different outside of London, but there are riders who are easily the match of any bully in a motor vehicle on the streets. Some canal user groups (probably many, but I only know a few) are angry about it. Not the biggest problem in the universe, but you can see how fast some people go if you stand on the Regent's Canal towpath for a short while during the morning peak hour (but it also happens at other times).
Oliver Schick
TBH I think cycling on some urban towpaths is pretty shit. I found it difficult to maintain anything beyond jogging pace if you're being considerate. The added stress of all the pedestrian interactions and all the extra hazards like mooring bollards and narrow sections under bridges just make them far from ideal for shifting cyclists along at any great volume or speed. I also saw a lot of cyclist riding on them like locals drive along narrow country roads i.e., with very little consideration for anyone else.