Back when I were a lad........

Those of us old enough, for example, to remember rationing and when we had a proper rail service over most of the UK, ought to remember bikes as used by butchers, bakers and the like, some of which survived in use till not so long ago.

On a recent Danish trip, I happened across this extremely useful bicycle, unfortunately parked next to a bin area. I can't ever recall seeing one of these in the UK but perhaps others have.

Shortly after spotting that one, I saw this somewhat sad example of a former workhorse parked outside a shop:

Besides these two beauties, there were bikes everywhere including quite a few Kalkhoff, Batavus and Gazelle electric models, mainly in traditional form, i.e., built for comfort rather than speed. All motorists treat cyclists and pedestrians with massive respect and driving manners are hugely better than in the UK.

I won't go into all the forms of traffic legislation that go some way to ensuring road discipline but in the area where I spent my time, the authorities have a zero tolerance towards speeding. You get nicked - very big fine. Get nicked a second time - double the previous fine. A third time - double the last one! I can't remember all I was told about points, licence entitlement and all the rest but the monetary penalties alone provide a salutary disincentive towards ignoring one's responsibilities as a driver.

Lovely country, lovely people, high cost of and standard of living but I still baulk at £5.50 - £6.50 for a pint!

Tom

We have one of these http://www.veloelectrique.co.uk/ a fantastic machine, do the shopping, stuff to the tip, garden centre. Designed to plod along, motor assist is great (throttle) for setting off or when my knee plays up.

For most in town stuff they can replace a car, though you do get tired of either stopping and showing off how great it is or people shouting for an ice cream...stop me and by one!

John

I think you see cargo etc bikes in certain areas of London, Cambridge, Kings Lynn etc. The Carlsberg one might fail regulations.

Around here there are ... astonishingly as it is very conservative as an area being Notts former mining - a couple of people who do commercial stuff with trailers.

Suspect however that it is the ones who cannot afford vans.

>Those of us old enough, for example, to remember rationing and when we had a proper rail service over most of the UK

I think we are on the way to a much improved service. They are still trying to catch up with a doubling of demand in under 20 years, with continuing growth.

Ferdinand

Seen outside a shop close to Kew Gardens station....

Tom