Don’t let the nimby drivers deflate cycling
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Surrey residents’ objection to cycle races is yet another depressing reminder that the two-wheeled revolution that has swept the UK is by no means universally welcomed.
It’s the assumption behind the protest that needs to be questioned: that roads are for cars, that they “belong” to the people who live nearest to them, and that cyclists are an intrusion.
It’s hard not to see this as an attack on cyclists generally. One Surrey protester was quoted by the BBC as saying that cyclists “practise months in advance of the event, riding the route in very large numbers from very early in the morning shouting at each other” – absurd claims all of them. As someone who frequently rides out to Surrey from London, I can vouch that the presence of cyclists is negligible compared with the number of cars.
It may be time for pro races that want to visit London to explore other routes out of the city. Surrey’s hills are what provide the appeal, but there are hills in Kent, too. By all means let’s spread the races around a bit – but for variety’s sake, not to appease the nimby car lobby.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments