Le Tour de France in Widnes?

Today is was cold - much colder than it has been apparently and definitely colder than Belgrade. Whilst We were out today, we passed this bike that is just tied up by the side of the road. Painted yellow with a TDF flag, it looks as if it has been there since the summer. We wondered if it was some sort of a shrine to a former rider or someone who loved it - seems odd to be there in such a small lane as well.