Motivational markings for Covid cyclists introduced on Black Country road

The chalked markings were spotted on Hobshole Lane in Aldridge by Councillor Oliver Butler as he rode up the hill as part of regular bike rides during the coronavirus lock down.

Some of them repeated the slogans that have become commonplace during the pandemic such as ‘stay alert’, ‘save lives’ and ‘control the virus’.

But there are also some aimed at keeping the cyclists’ spirits up as they negotiate hills such as ‘It’s only a small hit – honest’ and ‘stamp here to power up’.

Councillor Butler, who is the portfolio holder for clean and green at Walsall Council said it was great to have a touch of the world famous cycling event in Aldridge.

He added that he was pleased to see many people across the borough had taken to cycling as part of their permitted daily exercise allowances during lock down.

He said: "It is really funny that somebody has written these Tour de France style messages in Hobshole Lane Aldridge.

"But they also convey a serious message as well, to stay alert to the dangers of Covid 19, to control the virus and to save lives.

"It is also a great advertisement and encouragement for people to get out on their bikes, which I myself have also been doing regularly and Walsall Council fully supports and encourages.

"Russells’ Cycles have told me that they have been phenomenally busy with repairs, as families have taken to going out for rides together during lock down.

"You can potentially burn around a 1000 calories per hour on a bike, without the same pressure on the knee joints.

"Therefore it is a great way to get fitter in the fresh air and to help reduce the risk of suffering badly from Covid 19 should you be unlucky enough to contract the virus.

"So it is really great that somebody with a sense of humour has given Aldridge it’s very own version of Alpe d’Huez!"