Bob
7th July 2007, 07:31
File under both "Misguided" and Prejudiced"; The pretty village of Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire, England would be a no-go zone for bikers, if Councillor Sheila Jeffery could get her way.
Cllr. Jeffery attempted to ban motorbikes parking in the High Street during the week, claiming “They only want to park there so they can show off their highly polished machines.”
Confusion stems from an overly complex set of parking rules, which allow bikes to park at the weekend and cars during the week in a bay outside the Church Room toilets.
Thankfully, the rest of the council blocked her biased move.
Parish councillor Colin Graham said: "Bikes have the right to come into Bourton - they've paid their road taxes. It's only three out of a very high number of parking spaces. It's not going to be a great loss."
Cllr. Paul Robbins added "We can't tell bikers not to come in.They do use that space as they know their bikes are among other bikes and won't get damaged."
Cllr. Jeffery also assumed that "I don't think bikers would object because, generally, it's rare to see a bike in the week. They come out at weekends" - a claim refuted by Cheltenham Riders Bike Club member Mark Lumley, who said he often travelled to Bourton, adding “It's a stereotypical view of someone who isn't a motorcyclist. It's a nice run on some lovely roads to Bourton and the first thing a lot of bikers do is go to get something to eat and drink and buy a little token, so that's business for the town.”
"And no motorcyclist stays for more than an hour as we're out for a ride on the bike."
Cllr. Jeffery attempted to ban motorbikes parking in the High Street during the week, claiming “They only want to park there so they can show off their highly polished machines.”
Confusion stems from an overly complex set of parking rules, which allow bikes to park at the weekend and cars during the week in a bay outside the Church Room toilets.
Thankfully, the rest of the council blocked her biased move.
Parish councillor Colin Graham said: "Bikes have the right to come into Bourton - they've paid their road taxes. It's only three out of a very high number of parking spaces. It's not going to be a great loss."
Cllr. Paul Robbins added "We can't tell bikers not to come in.They do use that space as they know their bikes are among other bikes and won't get damaged."
Cllr. Jeffery also assumed that "I don't think bikers would object because, generally, it's rare to see a bike in the week. They come out at weekends" - a claim refuted by Cheltenham Riders Bike Club member Mark Lumley, who said he often travelled to Bourton, adding “It's a stereotypical view of someone who isn't a motorcyclist. It's a nice run on some lovely roads to Bourton and the first thing a lot of bikers do is go to get something to eat and drink and buy a little token, so that's business for the town.”
"And no motorcyclist stays for more than an hour as we're out for a ride on the bike."