Why do you see pairs of shoes hanging from power lines? Why do you see pairs of shoes hanging from power lines?

The question of "why are shoes hanging by the laces from power lines?"has popped up a number of times, we decided to do a little research.

Shoes hanging from power lines suggestions !

- Drug dealer nearby
- Time-honored tradition on the last day of school.
- A reminder/warning of a nearby murder.
- Designated gang turf.
- Seemed like fun at the time (no reason).

After getting a new pair of runners, it was a common ritual to tie the shoelaces of your old pair together and throw them up over the telephone wires, now electricity lines.

What else are you going to do with your old pair of runners?

Also known as Shoe flinging.

Kill Joy

Throwing shoes - or any object - over power lines is a risky and costly activity and should not be undertaken. ETSA Utilitiesý General Manager Business Relations, Craig Cock, says "In recent weeks our line crews have had to be deployed to removing shoes which have been thrown onto power lines in the Adelaide metropolitan area.

"Throwing objects at power lines can cause sparks, stress on lines, damage to conductors and cause power interruptions. "Like graffiti, there is a cost to the community in time and money to investigate and remove the items from the lines."

❊ Address ❊

 ℅ Naarm
 ⊜  Melbourne Wide Melbourne 3000 View Map

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❊ Web Links ❊

➼ Why do you see pairs of shoes hanging from power lines? 

➼ Old running shoes hanging from trees and power lines are 'gang signs.'

➼ Why do you see pairs of shoes hanging by the laces from power lines?

➼ Shoes on a Wire « David W. Boles' Urban Semiotic

➼ Pics - More Shoes On A Wire - Flickr

➼ Ordinary Things: Shoe flinging

➼ Sneakers on Power Lines

➼ History of Sneakers & Trainers

➼ Shoes on power lines present serious risks to the community






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