what are your thoughts on love locks?

[Deleted]

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/10887201/Love-locks-cause-rail-collapse-on-Pariss-Pont-des-Arts-bridge.html

With part of the Pont des arts bridge collapsing today, I thought I'd see what Travel's ideas were on love locks?

Romance forever? Or vandalism?

[Deleted]

I think it's fine if there is a city approved and appointed spot for them (although I've never done one and have no desire to do one). However, if it's on a place like the Pont des arts (where Paris already warned of the weight of the locks was going to destroy the grudge) then that's vandalism.

Recently I had some friends go to Paris and bring a lock for the Pont des arts bridge. They said they heard about the warning that the bridge was breaking under the weight of the locks and they did it anyway.

[Alyssa]

If the city allows it, then why not. If there are signs asking people not to, then I would follow the rules.

[Deleted]

I think they're a silly concept (though cool looking), but I'm with Alyssa. Fine if allowed, not fine if not allowed.

[sunshinedaydreams]

I think they're a bit silly, too. I wouldn't do it, but I do enjoy reading things on other people's and taking photos of the bridges when I come across them.

[dorothyinAus]

I didn't know what they were when I started seeing them on the bridge where DH proposed in Melbourne. I can see the problems with them, and see them as a form of vandalism, but that does not stop people. So I think it might be a better idea to sell "safe" locks for the people who want to do that -- lightweight plastic ones, or one that will degrade over time.

Personally I don't get it and would never do it, but I can see it as a "romantic" thing for couples or memorials. But I think there is a real chance that's being missed in "bridge safe" locks.

[anna7602]

I think they're kind of silly and never got all the angst/hand-wringing among government officials that the French press reports on regularly. Like this line, "Paris authorities... have been reluctant to take stiffer measures for fear of hurting the city's tourist industry and its worldwide reputation as a city of love." Will tourists really stop traveling to Paris if they ban love locks on the bridges? Is this really what makes people travel? 

[Deleted]

I just saw this for the first time in Pittsburgh last weekend. I guess I can see how the idea would seem romantic, but I wouldn't do it (especially if it's becoming a safety issue). When we starting walking across the bridge, I initially saw one or two old-looking locks and thought, ok that's kind of cute I guess. But when we got to the center of the bridge, it was completely covered with locks and it looked terrible. The bridge had been painted recently, and some of the locks had been painted over - I wonder why the city didn't just cut them off.

[GilliC]

NMS. When they're not in a place specifically designed for it, I consider them on par with carving your initials in a tree or writing them in permanent marker on a historic landmark. Lame and somewhat destructive. I'm pretty sure a lot of those symbolic actions outlive the relationships that put them there.

That said, I don't mind Golden Lock Pass at Hua-shan mountain in Xian, because the area is set up for them, and the locks are actually sold by the temples. Plus it's more about prayers and wishes to the gods and not just about symbolizing relationships.

[Wanderista]

Yep, I think it is silly and also insensitive if it is causing serious structural damage to a bridge. I think that if they are structurally compromising a bridge then they should be removed. I don't have a problem with people doing it if the area is designed for it and doing so is permitted.

[emilyinchile]

I don't understand why a city wouldn't just cut them off if they're becoming a problem.

I've never done one and probably won't, but I think the idea is cute. A friend of mine just got engaged on the Brooklyn Bridge, and she and her FI put a lock on - cute story! That said I agree that if there are signs specifically asking people not to then, ya know, follow the rules.

[Deleted]

I'm cynical, I reckon someone comes along with a master key each night to unlock some of them and re-sell them the next day to more couples in love.

It's not my thing either. I think that unless a city sets up a structurally sound place to do it, then it is vandalism.

[babsbunny]

Hate, hate, hate. I think it looks dirty and is bad for the environment. Put a lock on your own property.

[CloudBee]

Not a fan, though they actually seem to be encouraged in some places. We were in Guam about 18 months ago and the gift shop at Two Lovers' Point actually sells locks AND Sharpies. They must trim them back schedule to make room for new.

[GilliC]

Jun 12, 2014 8:22:18 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

The idea of a combination "love lock" makes me giggle a little. Like if you break up, you can still come back and take it off. It kind of undermines that idealistic "together forever" sentiment.

[marytini]

Jun 10, 2014 8:18:50 GMT -5 GilliC said:

NMS. When they're not in a place specifically designed for it, I consider them on par with carving your initials in a tree or writing them in permanent marker on a historic landmark. Lame and somewhat destructive. I'm pretty sure a lot of those symbolic actions outlive the relationships that put them there.

Pretty much this.