On Your Bike, Boris

The queen seemed unimpressed by London mayor’s bike-rental scheme but kept her criticism guarded. At least her husband wasn’t there.

London Mayor Boris Johnson is very proud of his pay-as-you-go rental bicycles installed all over London. William and Kate, who were given a tandem model as a wedding present by the famously shockheaded mayor, are also fans.

It seems the Queen doesn’t share their enthusiasm.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, poses for pictures in London, on May 28, 2010, during a photocall to promote the launch of London's cycle hire scheme to be introduced later this year. Two cycle superhighways will be launched in London on July 19 followed by the cycle hire scheme on July 30. AFP PHOTO/BEN STANSALL (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) — Ben Stansall, AFP / Getty Images

During yesterday’s visit to London store Fortnum & Mason, the following exchange was overheard between the two.

Queen: “At least I didn’t have to come down here on one of your bikes.”

Mayor: “Oh gosh, don’t you like my bikes?”

Queen: “Oh yes, I think they’re lovely. In fact I notice the bike racks are often empty.”