Documentary>> Cyclists • The UK
Politicians in the UK have joined cycling groups to condemn a BBC documentary which purports to show the “war” between cyclists and other vehicles on British roads, but ends up stereotyping cyclists as reckless.
They have also questioned the use of excerpts from a professionally shot commercial film of cycle couriers staging a breakneck race through central London in the documentary.
Ian Austin, the Labour MP who co-chairs the all-party cycling group in the British parliament, called the clip deliberately misrepresentative and said he feared it could make cycling more dangerous.
Made by an independent company, Leopard Films, The War on Britain’s Roads shows cyclists being almost crushed by lorries and cars, assaults as well as interviews with drivers and cyclists. The BBC insists the documentary is “fair and balanced”.
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