We went out early again today in order to avoid the worst of the heat. It was already 21°C, according to the Meteorological Office, but felt hotter than that. We are promised a high of 28°C (not as hot as yesterday) and, possibly, thunder storms at midday. That might cool things down somewhat.

Tailbacks in Pentonville Road

It was 10am by the time we stepped out into the street but there was still plenty of traffic on the roads.

Electric scooter

This is not a very good photo but you can see what it is: a man riding one of those stand-up electric scooters. They have become very common in London and, no doubt, in other towns and cities as well. The pandemic will, if anything, have increased their appeal as people seek ways of travelling to work without using public transport with its risks of infection.

The first fact that springs to my mind in seeing these vehicles is that they are not legal to use on public roads. Not that that has stopped people using them. Apparently, the UK government is considering legalizing them on a trial basis from the end of this month. In the meantime, law enforcement seems to be turning a blind eye.

The next fact is the bad behaviour of scooter riders. The man in the photo is crossing the intersection against the lights. He would no doubt be the first to complain if hit by another vehical but it would be entirely his own fault. There have already been accidents causing serious injury and at least one death.

Another cause of annoyance is that scooter riders often ride on the pavement and at speed, putting themselves – and worse, pedestrians – at risk of injury.

Front of the Angel Building

This pleasantly shaded path passes in front of the Angel Building, a large office block on the corner of Pentonville Road with St John Street. We use it to “cut the corner” but also to avoid other people as few take this route. Once the offices open for business again, though, it will of course become more crowded.

Jusaka – closed!

We crossed St John Street and arrived in front of Jusaka. It was closed! We stared in disbelief for a moment or two and then Tigger went to look at the sign showing their opening hours. According to this they open at 7 am. Not today, apparently. Mind you, this is the earliest we have called in them. Perhaps they open later during the present crisis. We shall no doubt catch up with them eventually and find out.

Coffeeless, we made our way home to relax under the electric fans. Tomorrow is another day 🙂