– The idea was to have fun over a rather normal thing, like crossing a street, says Reidar Johannes Søby.
He was inspired by a Monty Python-poster at work, and thought it would be fun to make a real sign encouraging people to cross the street John Cleese-style.
In a 1970s Monty Python sketch, John Cleese played a minister who developed different ways to walk. This sketch is known all over the world, and it is still popular in Ørje today, over 40 years later.
- LES DEN NORSKE VERSJONEN HER
– We will be here with bells on if he arrives
The inhabitants in Ørje are loving the sign, and pedestrians as well as drivers are having a laugh when they are crossing the street, or waiting for people to cross.
The people behind the initiative, Reidar Johannes Søby and Ruth Ingeborg Vaaler Thorvaldsen, now invite the original “silly walker” to visit the tiny village in Østfold.
– Imagine how awesome it would be if Mr. Cleese came here and showed us how it should be done! We will be here with bells on if he arrives, Thorvaldsen says with a smile on her face.
Road authorities not impressed
Although the community seems to love the funny signs, the authorities are sceptical.
– One shall not put up signs that may be confused with public signs. In our opinion, signs like these have no business appearing in public transport areas, a spokesperson for the road authorities explains to nrk.no
The road authorities concluded today that they will have the signs removed.
