Thursday 30 September 2010

Why isn't the cyclist shopping?


Kennington Road is used by hundreds, if not thousands, of people on bikes everyday. Like other people, they probably like to browse in a bookshop, get food from a deli, check out the estate agent's window or buy a bottle of wine. So why don't these people on bikes (like the person cycling past the bus stop in the photo) ever stop here to nip into a shop?

It's the same simple reason these people on bikes never stop to shop on the other side of the road either - there are no signposts that you can fit a D-lock around to park a bike, no railings and no cycle parking stands.

The number of A-frame advertising boards on the pavements suggests the retailers are desperate for passing trade. Just imagine if the retailers had invested in Sheffield Stands instead of A-frames - what a wealthier bunch they would be.