A Channel 5 show asking if cyclists are the scourge of the streets has been branded “dressed up prejudice” by cycling campaigner and former Olympian Chris Boardman.
The one-off show ‘Cyclists: Scourge of the Streets’, which aired on Tuesday (July 9), was called "an unfiltered look at both sides of the fence" by its makers, but many have criticised the programme for targeting cyclists.
Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardman and British Cycling have responded to the documentary, pointing out that thousands of people are killed or injured by drivers each year, while the number of people hurt by cyclists is significantly lower.
Channel 5 has responded to the criticism, claiming the show is "a balanced documentary" that includes contributions from police, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
>>> London road users urged to take more care after death of cyclist in her 20s
In a short video posted on social media Boardman, who is now the first ever walking and cycling commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Asking whether cyclists are the ‘scourge of our streets’ isn’t a hard-hitting, evidence-based documentary, it’s just dressed up prejudice and it does us all a disservice.
“By and large, those ‘street demons’ are mothers, fathers, grandparents and children all doing their bit to make Britain a healthier, greener and more liveable place.
“More people riding bikes is exactly what we need as a society, as a species, if we’re going to tackle big issues like rising obesity, congestion, pollution and of course the global climate crisis.”
The show has been condemned by a number of prominent pro-cycling voices, including The Guardian’s Peter Walker who called it “irresponsible, inaccurate and generally awful.”
>>> Bicycles are the future for transport, not electric cars, says report
In a statement, the makers of the new show said: “The big bike boom has caused a mighty backlash from hacked off motorists who see cyclists as rule-breaking know-it-alls, who freewheel all over our cities, hog road space and don’t have to adhere to the same laws as everyone else. But motorists themselves have a lot to answer for – when it comes to causing serious harm on the roads, it’s drivers who are mainly to blame.
“Tensions between two and four wheels have never been more fraught. We’re saddling up and belting up with riders and drivers from across the UK to tell the story of the turf war for Britain’s roads.
“This is an unfiltered look at both sides of the fence.”
When approached for comment on the criticism, a spokesperson for Channel 5 said: "Without public roads becoming ever more congested, this balanced documentary speaks to a range of contributors including the police, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to explore the daily challenges and issues faced by those who use them."
Alex is the digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter and now as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output.
Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) and joining CW in 2018, Alex has covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers.
Away from journalism, Alex is a national level time triallist, avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
-
British men just miss out on Madison medal as Mørkøv gets gold for Denmark on final day of Roubaix Track Worlds
Katie Archibald also took silver in the points race, her fourth medal of these Championships
By Jonny Long •
-
Jan Ullrich undertakes longest ride 'since Milan - San Remo 1997' at Mallorca Gran Fondo
The German says he has been training hard over the past year after recovering from a troubled period
By Jonny Long •
-
'We have never seen anything like this before': Chris Boardman says UK Government coronavirus cycling boost shouldn't be underestimated
The UK Government yesterday unveiled plans to boost cycling as a means to tackle the coronavirus
By Jonny Long •
-
Chris Boardman calls on government to help fund ‘revolutionary’ cycling network for Manchester
Chris Boardman has called on the government to help fund a “revolutionary” cycle network for Manchester that could give a huge boost to cyclists in the city.
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Driver pleads guilty to causing death of Chris Boardman’s mother
A pick-up truck driver has admitted causing the death of Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman’s mother.
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Inside Boardman's new wind tunnel: affordable aero testing
“Chris Boardman’s new wind tunnel,” as it has become almost universally known, has its long-awaited opening on April 30. James Shrubsall got an exclusive tour from the man himself
By James Shrubsall •
-
Chris Boardman: 'Riding a bicycle or crossing a street shouldn’t require bravery'
Chris Boardman is presenting his plan to get more people cycling and walking to the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group on Wednesday
By Nigel Wynn •
-
Chris Boardman: 'Shame on the government' for discussing compulsory cycle helmet law
Chris Boardman argues that making cycle helmet use compulsory in Britain will not lead to saving lives, and discussing it is distracting from the real cause of cyclist deaths and injuries
By Nigel Wynn •
-
Two people charged over death of Chris Boardman's mum after she was hit by pick-up truck
Two people have been charged over the death of Carol Boardman, mother of Chris Boardman, after she was hit and killed by the driver of a pick-up truck.
By Henry Robertshaw •
-
Chris Boardman appointed as Manchester's first cycling commissioner
Former professional cyclist Chris Boardman takes on council role to promote cycling and walking in Manchester
By Nigel Wynn •
