British Cycling's Reaction to Documentary About Road War Between Cyclists and Motorists
The British Cycling is downplaying the supposed animosity between cyclists and motorists. This was in response to an upcoming BBC documentary, named "War on Britain's Road".
(prHWY.com) December 7, 2012 - Cumbria, United Kingdom -- The said video shows confrontations between cyclists and motorists while on the road, together with footage about the former group breaking certain traffic laws.
The clip created a commotion in the sports community and has resulted to reactions from several blogs; not to mention this issue has caused many forums to be flooded recently.
According to British Cycling Legal Affairs and Director Martin Gibbs, the documentary programme was disappointing.
"It sounds like they're taking what is a serious issue and making it into drama, which is disappointing. What disturbs me is that it's creating an artificial distinction between cyclists and motorists," says Gibbs.
Gibbs comments were asupported by other cyclists and motorists.
"I do think the problems can be blown out of proportion. We need to talk to each other in a civilised manner, and I don't think a programme like this really helps. It's not a war out there," says Edmund King, president of the Automobile Association.
King added that the motorists had given their full support to the road advocacy of the cyclists.
In a survey conducted by the Automobile Association, almost two-thirds of the drivers seek to see road improvements for cyclists, so there is no reason to put pressure between the two communities.
The All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group (APPCG) also raised their concerns about the program.
In a press release issued by the organisation, Ian Austin, co-Chair of APPCG, described the documentary as, "stupid, irresponsible nonsense, sensationalist and simplistic."
"It was about as representative of ordinary cycling in Britain as a James Bond car chase is of ordinary driving," he adds.
The APPCG also demanded Tony Hall, newly appointed BBC Director General, to present the reality of cycling and driving in Britain in a more sensible and accurate manner.
However, BBC insisted that the documentary shows fairness and balance to both parties involved.
"The documentary only shows the serious examination of the relationship between cyclists and other road users. It uses actual footage of real incidents to provoke discussion and investigates the outcomes and consequences of several of the incidents captured. Raising awareness of these issues, on a primetime BBC1 programme, can only be a positive thing for both cyclists and other road users ."
However, Gibbs said that if the documentary's title and clips showed real fairness, the cycling society will not react on it.
"Our members don't want us to be anti-car and indeed nine out of ten British Cycling members drive a car, so it makes no sense to talk about "them" and "us", "motorists" or "cyclists". We're just people, sometimes people on bikes, other times people in cars, often both in the same day. We all bear a responsibility for the culture on the roads," Gibbs said.
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