Lord Tebbit gives an unpleasant response to cycle ride invite

An invite to join the annual Parliamentary Bike Ride did not go down well with Lord Tebbit, who branded it a 'foolish exhibition'

Lord Tebbit (Photo: James Robertson/CC)

Lord Tebbit gave a slightly unpleasant response to an open invite to join the annual Parliamentary cycle ride in London on Wednesday, branding it a 'nuisance' and a 'foolish exhibition'.

The terse letter from the 85-year-old stalwart Conservative was addressed to Ruth Cadbury, Labour MP for Brentford and Isleworth.

>>> Chris Boardman pokes fun at British government’s inadequate cycling strategy

"I was sorry to read in your recent circular of your proposal to increase peak hour traffic congestion in central London on Wednesday 8 June," Lord Tebbit wrote.

"Not only is that a nuisance, but by increasing congestion it will increase pollution."

"I suggest you cancel this foolish exhibition."

See more

Cadbury published the letter via Twitter on Thursday morning, saying "On Your Bike - Tebbit objected to our invitation to join us on yesterday's annual Parliamentary bike ride".

Several Twitter users replied in dismay. Gerhard Weiss said: "Classic reverse psychology to blame supposedly increased pollution on those who work for better conditions for cycling."

Mark Strong pointed out: "Presumably he has same attitude to State Opening of Parliament? Causes lots more congestion."

See more
See more

Cadbury is a strong supporter of cycling, and is co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Cycling Group (APPCG). As such, Cadbury has been a key player in applying political pressure to up the investment in cycling and walking in Britain.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.