Big trouble in store for the Tesco bikers

Supermarket chain Tesco wants to be everybody’s friend, but may end up being accused of double standards.

On August 8, the chain put out a release saying it was linking up with the RAC to provide customers and staff with the ultimate in customer service”, a free vehicle recovery service for those unfortunate enough to break down in its car parks.

The release quoted the RAC’s Rob Maynard: “For most people, the car has a vital role to play when they shop. The RAC is delighted to help keep Tesco customers mobile.”

So it was with some surprise that the Diary received a second release on August 19 with the boast: “Tesco, in partnership with Chichester District Council, is encouraging customers to leave their cars at home and opt for a healthier and more environment-ally friendly method of transporting their weekly shop – a bike hod.”

The bike hods – two-wheeled trailers which are towed behind the bike to carry the groceries – would “hopefully encourage others to leave their cars at home and dust off their bicycle clips”.

The Diary awaits the chameleon-like supermarket chain’s next release: “Tesco offers free accident insurance for customers who get knocked off their bikes in our car parks by RAC recovery vehicles.”