A cyclist was left fuming this week after a Sainsbury’s lorry reportedly parked in the middle of a cycle lane in Croydon forcing him to veer into the road. Twitter user Cycle Gaz caught the ‘shocking’ incident on camera outside a Sainsbury’s Local on Croydon High Street. The van also had a sign on the back of the lorry, which said: “Cyclists. Beware of passing this vehicle on the inside.” Gaz was left with no other option but to perform an overtake on the inside in the road.
Other cyclists rushed to support Gaz. Alec James said: “It would have taken *a lot* of effort to park there. Purposeful, wilful endangerment and damage to public property from the Sainsbury’s driver.”
Another Croydon local revealed “Every time I pass I see this . Shocking how poor Sainsbury is taking our concerns seriously”, while another person shared a photo of another Sainsbury’s vehicle blocking a cycle lane. “Sainsbury’s have form for this… must be actual policy to block cycle lanes,” they added.
The outrage continued as some wondered how the lorry had got there without damaging the infrastructure. They said: “How did he even get through the wands? Have some been removed or knocked down by parking lorries?” Another said: “How convenient there are wands missing right outside the shop so he/she can park on the cycle lane. If they were all there I doubt the lorry could fit in.”
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Others didn’t see the big deal and accused cyclists of “making a mountain out of a molehill”. Cameron Addicott said: “To be fair where is he supposed to park? Opposite side of the road is double-yellow, and will also put him at risk exiting his cab backwards into traffic, and he would have to unload by hand across a busy road.”
Tony joked: “Well done on negotiating the very dangerous manoeuvre around the lorry taking 2.5 seconds and impacting absolutely no one. You’re a true hero and should be applauded on your bravery.”
In a statement, a Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We appreciate that this was brought to our attention. We’re investigating the matter with the store.”
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