London and Thame cyclists will save the world, says Boris
LONDON’S cycling Mayor, Boris Johnson, returned to his old constituency on Saturday, to launch a new cycle shop in Thame.
And the two local businessmen behind the venture had Boris literally in tandem when he was joined on a bicycle made for two, by ex town mayor, Cllr Don Butler, for a spin round the block.
Tim Parsons and David Green invited Mayor Johnson to the opening of ?2Wheels? – a cycle repair, sales, servicing, accessories and clothing shop at 99b High Street ? along with local MP, John Howell, who declined an invitation to join Boris on the tandem.
Boris joked: “With this wonderful bike shop, the cyclists of Thame will join those of us in London in saving the world.”
Tim owns the car parts and accessories shop, Autoparts, next door to 2Wheels and David and he worked there together for six years, some fifteen years ago.
Mayor Johnson told a large crowd that had gathered for the event, that he often brought his children to Thame to search for Christmas presents at Autoparts and had previously had one of his children?s bikes repaired there when the shop did cycle accessories. He said it was great to now have a cycle shop next door and congratulated Tim and David on the joint venture, saying it is fantastic to see new businesses launching at any time, but especially in the current economic climate.
Tim said: “We?ve often talked about opening a shop together. When the premises next to mine came onto the market it was too good a chance to miss. We used to do cycle accessories at Autoparts and with cycling becoming more and more popular, now seemed a great time to start a cycle sales, repair, accessories and clothing shop. The day went brilliantly the support we had from locals was overwhelming and the customer feedback was 100% positive, a great day all round.”
David, who had a spell as an estate agent before returning to retail, added: “The day was a great success. With the price of fuel going up, people thinking about climate change and getting more health and exercise conscious, cycling seems to be a sector that?s steered clear of the worst of the credit crunch. We combine cycle sales with repairs and have an exciting range of clothing and accessories for cyclists.”
Photo courtesy of Alison Nicholson @OTCN
