Forum Topic

Wandsworth Park - Blade Mews

Until very recently the gates here were constantly open during the day, readily allowing lycra loons to disregard all the signage and pelt through the Mews into the Park and out, to peril of dogs, small children et al.  Then in an unexpected move, the council installed automatic closing gates to all entrances including all others.  Regardless of this, a significant proportion of cyclists (Well over 90% in my experience) still refuse to get off their bikes, performing some kind of complicated yoga moves to open the gate and pass through whilst still seated, then cycle on, ignoring the signs.  And to cap it all today, some spark has chained the gate open with a bicycle lock... Park folk have been informed and bolt cutter at the ready if it's still there tomorrow.

Neil Moulding ● 2861d18 Comments

arrogancethe local deliveroo guy is one such person and told me i was a middle class twat when i said anything (him being way more better spoken that i, so no idea how he came the that conclusion!)

Emarisa Battoia ● 2861d

The Lycra Mafia hate any form of criticism Emarisa.  Self-righteous prats.

Sue Hammond ● 2861d

I regularly chastise them when I see them flying through the Mews but as you say, the majority respond with abuse or feigned ignorance.

Neil Moulding ● 2861d

it is very depressing that a simple request to walk not to ride through Blade Mews and the gate is met with such hostility - I noticed this morning that the gate was now held open by what looks like a bike lock!

Caroline Hutchings ● 2861d

I'm sure that there never used to be any access to the park at that place. It was a factory area at one time, I believe. I can see why it would appeal as a route to cyclists in particular, but maybe it was a mistaken idea to create it.

David Ainsworth ● 2861d

I think you'll find that reasonable cyclists will happily walk through when they see car drivers and motorcyclists pushing their vehicles into the mews....

Richard Carter ● 2861d

I've contacted the Park Managers who said they'd look into it. If it's still there tomorrow well, as I said, have bolt cutters, will cut....

Neil Moulding ● 2861d

Good luck.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tId2j4O-z-Q"Give me a place to stand and with a lever I will move the whole world" (Archimedes)

David Ainsworth ● 2861d

It's a highly leveraged situation.

Neil Moulding ● 2861d

This is a good example of a 1st world problem.  How many people have been injured (not just emotionally upset) during these horrific altercations?  Are the cyclist armed? They seem very dangerous ...

James Hole ● 2861d

James, it's the killer Lycra that does it: it causes serious reactions in some very sensitive people .

Richard Carter ● 2861d

Young fit men in lycra look good. Wrinkled oldies look ridiculous.  Either can perform like selfish prats.

Sue Hammond ● 2861d

Sue, I think you meant wrinkled oldies in Lycra, with a copy of The Guardian.

Martine Guy ● 2861d

Ok I'll try not to say anything rash, it's easy to get irrational on these forums..... Damn, now I've started on the Lycra puns.......

James Hole ● 2861d

"James, it's the killer Lycra that does it: it causes serious reactions in some very sensitive people."How could that be? I mean - it is so very green.

David Ainsworth ● 2861d

Rapid council response...aaaand the lock has gone :)

Neil Moulding ● 2860d

A point I also made recently on a rare occasion when I travelled that way.  I must admit that I was (pleasantly) surprised that it was well received by the 2 pedestrians in the discussion (including the one who kindly held the gate open for me (and bike) to get through.

Roscow Lucas ● 2846d

I can't help thinking the padlock was removed by a resident - it must be beyond tolerance hearing the clange and clatter of that gate slamming shut with the constant movement of people. Perhaps the council should reinstate closing the parks at night and then perhaps that strip now counted as an asset of community value can be opened up instead of being kept locked shut in what appears to be a political huff in support of neighbourly friends who did not get their hands on it!

Clifford Cowell ● 2845d