ITV’s flagship morning show, Hello Great Britain, was criticized on social media after posting a segment titled “Should Cyclists Ride Single File?” which launched broadcaster and cyclist Matt Barbet, who patiently explained why it’s often safer for people to ride two-up, against BBC writer and DJ Ed Adoo, who ignored the issue at hand and instead drew an anecdote from eight years ago, saying that cyclists need to be more “knowledgeable”.

The room, which can be viewed on ITV Hub – it starts at 2 hours 10 minutes after the start of the recording – started with one of the hosts of the show saying: “Drivers and cyclists test each other’s patience”, his co-host adding: “But with more cyclists than ever on UK roads, should those who take two wheels be forced to ride in single file?” “

He then moved on to a brief report where, after some dashcam footage and some vox pops, the reporter said: “Part of the problem, say cyclists, is rule 66 of the highway code, which is confusing. . “

The reporter says activists are calling for the rule to be changed to: “You can ride two abreast, and it is often safer to do so.”

British Cycling and Cycling UK have both incorporated the words into their suggestions for a new version of the rule in response to a consultation with the Department of Transport (DfT) last year on proposed changes to the highway code.

> Fleet Street’s fury over calls from activists to clarify the “ two abreast ” rule

Currently, the rule says, “You should never ride more than two abreast and ride single file on narrow or busy roads and around bends.”

The DfT proposed changing the rule to read that cyclists must “ride in single file when drivers wish to pass and it is safe to let them. When riding in larger groups on narrow lanes, it is sometimes safer to ride two abreast. “

Barbet, former presenter of Dawn, the predecessor of GMB, as well as ITV4 The Cycle Show and his coverage of the Tour of Britain, was asked to prioritize his response and began by saying that considering cyclists and motorists as separate tribes was a mistake, pointing out that most of the people he knows who cycle also drive cars. “It’s not cyclists cluttering the roads, it’s cars,” he added.

It was a busy holiday weekend on the roads, but many drivers were frustrated, finding themselves trapped behind rows of cyclists enjoying a pedal in the sun.

With more cyclists than ever on UK roads, should cyclists be forced to ride in single file?#GMB pic.twitter.com/wBpNUseFMW

– Good Morning Britain (@GMB) May 31, 2021

He went on to explain how riding two abreast makes it easier and safer for motorists to overtake cyclists, as was clearly shown in this video produced by journalist and author Carlton Reid six years ago, featuring advanced driving instructor Blaine Walsh and champion cyclist turned active travel advocate Chris Boardman.

Side by side of carltonreid at Vimeo.

He also underlined the principle of the hierarchy of road users, which places the most vulnerable, first pedestrians, then cyclists, at the bottom of a pyramid, and those who drive vehicles with the propensity to do so. more harm, like heavy weights, up. .

Incorporating the concept into the rules of the road was part of last year’s consultation, with the DfT saying it “ensures that road users who can do the most harm have the greatest responsibility for reducing the risk. danger or threat they may pose to other road users.

“The aim of the hierarchy is not to prioritize pedestrians, cyclists and riders in all situations, but rather to ensure a more respectful and caring culture of safe and efficient road use that benefits to all users, ”added the DfT.

As it often seems to be the case when TV shows seek to set up a “ balanced ” debate on a whole host of divisive topics, not just cycling, counterpoint to someone presenting a case based on of facts and evidence was rather based on an anecdote. and sweeping generalizations.

Adoo began his response to Bardet by recounting an incident in 2013 in which a cyclist insulted him, which prompted him to write a column at the time for the Huffington Post which was published under the headline, It’s time we earned the respect of cyclists.

“ There must be a certain etiquette with cyclists ” – @EdwardAdoo

This is the age-old dilemma between cyclists and drivers and a solution does not seem to be on the horizon! pic.twitter.com/7KgWp5ZLA0

– Good Morning Britain (@GMB) May 31, 2021

In this column, written at the end of a month in which six cyclists were killed on London’s roads, Adoo rejected safety measures such as protected cycle lanes or the ban on heavy goods vehicles, saying: ” The problem is, it has nothing to do with bus or truck drivers. but the cyclist [sic] themselves.”

In his conclusion to this article, he added, “At the end of the day, cyclists need to learn to respect other motorists and not do silly things like riding without a helmet or protected gear.

“It has to stop and I think a cycle registration or a tax system would first and foremost ensure that the number of deaths is reduced.

On GMB this morning, he returned to this topic – without once addressing the specific issue that is supposed to be debated.

“ There must be a certain etiquette with cyclists ” – @EdwardAdoo

This is the age-old dilemma between cyclists and drivers and a solution does not seem to be on the horizon! pic.twitter.com/7KgWp5ZLA0

– Good Morning Britain (@GMB) May 31, 2021

“I am not saying that all cyclists are morally wrong, that they are rude and that they swear all the time,” he insisted.

“Yes, you are,” intervened Barbet.

“No, I’m not saying all cyclists are rude,” Adoo replied, “what I’m saying is there has to be a label with cyclists,” continuing to repeat his call for cyclists are recorded.

Asked by Barbet if he had ever cycled on the road, he replied: “Yeah, lots of times.”

“You know how intimidating that can be, don’t you?” Said Barbet.

“Look, it’s not about bullying, it’s about respect on both sides,” Adoo insisted.

“But again, some cyclists – especially London – think they own the roads, and they don’t, the highway should be for everyone and everyone should respect .

Among those who responded to GMB’s tweets about clips in today’s segment was Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Cox of Lincolnshire Police, the National Head of Traffic Crash Investigation.

The real priority of safety is to improve the driving culture. Too many drivers feel entitled to rush #cyclist even when it means a “close pass” adding unacceptable levels of risk and for only marginal time savings. More patience is needed until a safe pass is possible. #GMB

– Andy Cox (@AndyCoxDCS) May 31, 2021

Unsurprisingly, the clips also drew the usual share of commentary on how cyclists should be insured and pay non-existent ‘road tax’ – points that were quickly countered by other Twitter users.

This is not true, is it? Drivers have all of these regulatory identifications and they break the rules of the road a lot more than cyclists. https://t.co/kbVNpKAGik the only difference is your prejudice – you perceive cyclists to break more because you are not.

– Tom Staniford (@tomstaniford) May 31, 2021

One of the silliest performances I’ve read.

How much public money do you think is spent dealing with more than THREE HUNDRED ROAD COLLISIONS PER DAY?

What do you have to say about the nearly 25,000 killed or seriously injured on our roads each year? pic.twitter.com/KGnd5b7o1a

– Drew White (@drewsonix) May 31, 2021

Thanks for stirring, @GMB. Now when I ride on the road I may face a few more dangerous, uninformed and empowered drivers who threaten my safety. Everything for your clicks.

– Tom Staniford (@tomstaniford) May 31, 2021