45 Years Later, Abbey Road Might Need a Crossing Guard

We’ve all seen this picture:

That was the chosen shot of six taken by photographer Iain MacMillan, a friend of John and Yoko, on Friday, August 8, 1969–45 years ago this past Friday.  A full account of the photo shoot can be found here. I’ve often wondered who owned that VW Beetle.

Since that day, untold thousands of people have crossed Abbey Road in the St. John’s Wood area of London as a way of recreating this moment.  Me included.  I’m carrying a Beatles’ box set with me.

Tourists like me greatly annoy the people traveling down Abbey Road.  “Oi! You idiot! Get out of the road!” Motorists and buses are always being held up.  And it’s not safe for the tourists, either, what with them always stepping into traffic unexpectedly.  (Trust me on this:  I’ve been nearly hit a couple of times as I’ve done the zebra crossing thing.  I’ve seen a few near-misses, too.)

So what’s the solution?  Maybe a crossing guard.  Might be a good idea, that.