A pleasant walk
Wellington is so often promoted as the greatest little capital in the world. You can’t beat the city on a good day, we hear, so positively. Absolutely. It’s a sweet refrain carried on the sound of lapping waves and kiss of a gentle breeze as one takes a stroll along its waterfront.
Being the greatest little capital in the world, there has always been some competition for space, that wee slice of seaside serenity.
Those living here seem, for the most part, willing to share, even tolerating the intrusion of Onzo bikes, which have quickly become a part of the rolling landscape. Even though some of their more irresponsible users appear content to dump them in the most inconvenient and inappropriate places.
Now there is to be more competition on our increasingly crowded city streets, walkways and waterfront.
We here at the Dominion Post like to think we’re a pretty progressive lot; we sit in front of flash new computer screens and dine ferociously on the mobile feast that is modern digital media.
We like progress as much as the next person, but we also like a pleasant stroll along our famed waterfront, without fear of being assaulted by tourists, teenagers and urban terrorists riding hundreds of 30kmh scooters, one hand at the controls while the other attempts to perfect the selfie.
There is competition, too, from companies keen to flood our streets with such vehicles.
They are banging on the gate guarded by the Wellington City Council. Hopefully they too like a pleasant stroll along the waterfront.