Britain Builds Fast Lanes for Ducks
A new campaign encourages pedestrians to step aside for birds.
Good manners are about as essential to British culture as tea and crumpets, which is why England is for a vital lesson on basic waterfront etiquette.
Anyone whos been to London knows that in summer, the walkways along the canals become a battleground for ambling pedestrians, irate cyclists, boat keepers, and strollers the size of battering rams. Add birds to the mix and things go from hectic to anarchic.
But now, waterfowl are getting their own lane to do some self-righteous waddling in. As of May 15, duck lanes have been painted onto the streets of three British citiesBirmingham, London, and Manchesterwith the birds recognizable silhouettes, along with playful instructions to . Its all part of a new campaign called , run by the Canal & River Trust, a U.K. conservation charity that oversees 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales. The campaign is intended to preserve the peace on the countrys historic towpaths by encouraging old-fashioned manners, explains. Since ducks are common canal swimmers, theyre often victims of bad-mannered human traffic, which is why the Trust turned these beloved birds into the mascot for their initiative.
The duck lanes are there to show how narrow the towpath is, and how it would be impossible to have lanes for everyone, says Sarah Burns, campaigns manager at the Canal & River Trust. Although they're temporary, the Trust hopes theyll have a lasting effect on the public that swarms these walkways. Burns says that they were used by over 400 million people in 2014.
Of course, its unlikely that the birds themselves will actually stick to these defined duckways. But the paths will hopefully make humans more aware of the need to accommodate the wildlife that inhabits Britains canals. Though theyre highly polluted in some parts, the countrys urban waterways still provide a home for wild birds such as Mallard Ducks, cormorants, Mute Swans, and coots.
Each of these species is free to use the duck lanes, too. All birds are welcome! Burns says. If humans are caught treading on this avian fast lane, though, theyd better watch out: ducks do reserve the right to tailgate.