The streets of Byron Bay, I maintain, are a hazard, particularly for pedestrians. A major one is the irresponsible use of bicycles, skateboards and sundry others. People ride, often at speed, along footpaths, regardless of obstacles, such as people on foot.
I hate to think of the number of times I have been narrowly missed by various gung-ho riders. And on a recent occasion I was actually bumped by a cyclist. Crossing the road is little better; due to unpredictable and careless traffic. Then there are those pesky steep kerbs – sometimes with concrete traffic stoppers beside them. My late friend tripped badly more than once on the edge of a Jonson Street footpath. I myself tripped over similarly in the lighthouse precinct, skinning a part of the arm that broke my headlong pitch into concrete.
Perhaps, partly, a symptom of ageing and my own clumsiness.
The popularity of alfresco dining here has seen numbers of businesses put tables and chairs out on the footpaths of CBD streets. I have considered some to be obstructive, but felt they seemed to be an approved fixture.
So, I was quizzical indeed to see the bookshop in Fletcher Street compelled, by Council apparently, to cancel their usual most civilised seating arrangement, as well as the position of the product display carousels. And having tried to cram seating into less comfortable, more weather-affected places, I cannot but think this may affect their business at this time. Though I sincerely hope not.
Like not a few residents here, I regularly patronise this pleasant venue, but am bemused by this apparently ad hoc reaction.
May we now expect similar enforcements on alfresco pavement tables with other CBD businesses, or is this action reserved for this bookshop?
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
