Sunday, June 8, 2008

No Bicycle Here Please

This photo was taken on Washington Street between Christopher and West 10th in the West Village, in front of a really nice restaurant called Malatesta Trattoria. I don't know why there is a home-made, non-city-issued "No Bicycle" sign here. Maybe it is an art project. This sign is made of wood and was (obviously) hand painted. A city-issued sign is made of metal with machine printed details.

What do you think?

14 comments:

Chuck Pefley said...

I'd assume a local resident doesn't want to see bikes chained to this post for aesthetic reasons. The table and chair and slight hint of a sign on the left makes me think a restaurant might be the responsible party in this case. That BMW bike in the background is obviously exempt.

Actually, the sign is quite credible and I'd honor it myself.

Kiwi said...

I don't know how things are in New York, but in Stockholm people often cycle on the pavement even though it's unlawful. Maybe they have had incidents with bikes and restaurant guests?

Ele ^_^ said...

Well it's really interesting and original.. Nice shot, see ya ^^

NormanTheDoxie said...

My guess is Malatesta reserved that spot for their own bicycle deliveries. I've been to this restaurant several times and think you may like it.

angela said...

Wish I could come up with something deeply witty but all I can think of is that maybe cyclists tie their bikes to the lamp post and maybe the restaurant doesn't appreciate it!
Angela

• Eliane • said...

Could be the restaurant owner?
I like the humour in your pic here: no bicycle but a motorbike is ok, lol. If it were me, I'd only allow Vespas.

Dorothy said...

Ming...I had to smile at this photo ...my first thoughts were that the motorcyle was parked there in deliberate defiance....

Interesting....and thought provoking photo....hope your having a beautiful Sunday...Dee Dee

marley said...

I think you should have saved this photo for the July Theme Day. It's 'No...signs'!!

I bet it was put up by someone who is fed up of bikes chained up outside their house!

Anonymous said...

Hmmm...

Paz

Jane Hards Photography said...

Definitely a home made job.Inventive though. Ovbiously ridden by someone with out of proportion arms look at the frame!

thwany said...

those bastards don't own the sidewalk

stromsjo said...

And I'll join Peter's explanation. The restaurant doesn't want any bikes around this very spot.

Just Roaming The Cities said...

I think this made me laugh out loud! I love how you got the shot with a bike right next to that sign. So good.

Carla Denton said...

maybe it's "guerilla art"