The Great Lime Bicycle Blockade

The Tower of London, a majestic fortress steeped in history, where tales of kings, queens, and the occasional beheading echo through the ages. (It is little bit like one of those awful theme parks now). But lo and behold, what greets the unsuspecting visitor? A veritable army of Lime hire bicycles parked haphazardly and blocking the pavement like the carnage from a recent battle.

You are strolling along, perhaps contemplating the Crown Jewels or the infamous ravens, when suddenly you’re confronted by a wall of bright green bicycles. It is as if a flock of London pigeons has decided to roost right in the middle of the thoroughfare. Some pedestrians tried to sidestep, bob and weave, but alas, the bicycles were relentless. They stood there, resolute, like a stubborn herd of zombies (not that dissimilar to those that use them), oblivious to the fact that they were causing a minor traffic jam for those on foot. I am all for sustainable transport and the joys of cycling, but when these Lime bicycles start blocking the pavement, they transform from eco-friendly marvels into a nuisance. 

The other day, I found myself in the midst of this bicycle blockade when walking past. There I was, minding my own business, when I realised that a poor soul was struggling to get past. Ever trying to be the gentleman, I stepped in to help as best I could. This was after I politely suggested they walk around them. The person concerned was not having any of this and continued with their circumnavigation. 

With a bit of teamwork, we managed to shift a few of the offending bicycles aside. My goodness, Lime bikes are heavy! As we cleared a path, I could not help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. Here we were, in the shadow of a thousand years of history, grappling with a modern-day conundrum. The horrid irony of it all, was that when the poor person I attempted to help continued their - stubborn - walk, they were nearly hit by a Lime bike user who mounted the pavement to park and abandon their bike in the exact spot where the others has been parked!

So, the next time you are out and about, keep an eye out for those cheeky Lime bicycles. They may just be the unexpected obstacle in your quest for historical enlightenment! 

Until next time, stay safe out there people!