Speeding cyclists foiled by fake ravine
CYCLISTS have been hitting the brakes after coming across what appears to be a gaping crevasse on a popular towpath.
But the “hole” in the middle of the Regents Canal path in Islington, north London, is an optical illusion aimed at making careless bike riders slow down.
British Waterways commissioned the artwork as part of its “Two Tings” safety campaign in response to reports of cyclists riding dangerously on the path and ignoring pedestrians. The aim of the illusion, painted on canvas and edged with chalk, is to make riders slow down for fear of falling into the “hole”.
Yesterday the image drew plenty of attention and seemed to have the desired effect, as cyclists slowed to take a look at the unexpected obstacle.
British Waterways staff were on hand to advise on safe cycling. The company will keep the image, unveiled to mark national bike week, for use in other areas.
The work was painted by artists Joe Hill and Max Lowry, who specialise in three-dimensional images that create optical illusions.
They produced a widely-publicised picture of Gordon Brown and Chancellor Alistair Darling apparently falling down a black hole outside the Treasury.
