Vintage signage: cycling prohibited

There’s been much discussion over the inadequate signage for the Lendal Bridge traffic restrictions (aka Lendal Bridge closure). I’ve been reminded of the faded charms of a nearby sign.

Pictured back in 2004 (a more recent photo on flickr.com suggests it’s still there) on Lendal Tower, a short stone’s throw from the controversial bridge. It relates to the narrow walkway there by the riverside.

They knew how to make effective signs back then. No messing about. CYCLING PROHIBITED. OFFENDERS WILL BE PROSECUTED. The Chief Constable says so.

Cyril T G Carter was appointed to his post in 1954, so this sign must have been put in place to scare cyclists off their bikes some time between then and the mid 1970s. It conjures an image of a different age, of policemen like in Dixon of Dock Green. Who perhaps waited around corners to catch errant cyclists disobeying this rule, and said ‘Look here, sonny, what does that sign say?’

I wonder if anyone was ever PROSECUTED, or if the mere sight of a forbidding sign with words in capital letters was enough to keep law and order back then.

These signs used to be everywhere. I remember them from my 1970s childhood. There was one down the snicket between Beckfield Lane and Jute Road in Acomb, and they were probably down every other snicket too. Another survived until 2004, and maybe still does, at the end of an alley near Clifton Green:

Not as well-preserved or as aesthetically pleasing as the other example. Its bottom left corner bent upwards as if someone’s tried to prise it off the wall.

If others survive I’d be interested to know. And if you have seen one, cyclists, I would expect you to abide by the Chief Constable’s order and DISMOUNT IMMEDIATELY.