On Sunday 24 May an article by journalist, Rod Liddle was published in the Sunday Times that may encourage members of the public to engage in activity which jeopardises the safety of others. Our External Affairs Executive Director, Steve Brooks, respond to the comments that were made.
Steve Brooks, Executive Director of External Affairs said:
“Sustrans remains deeply disappointed and concerned by the Sunday Times article written by Rod Liddle, published on the 24th May 2020.
“In the article, Liddle writes that it is “oh so tempting” to cause physical bodily harm to cyclists.
“We therefore share the view of many people that the comments included in the article may encourage members of the public to engage in activity which jeopardises the safety of others.
“There have already been a number of reports of such dangerous and illegal activity, and where incidents do occur we urge people to contact the police.
“Whilst the publication has responded by claiming the journalist’s comments were satirical, we do not feel that this is a sufficient response to the issue at hand.
“We therefore urge the Sunday Times to further reflect on the seriousness of this matter and to take a more responsible editorial approach in the future by recognising the implications of the language that is used in their publication.
“We will continue to monitor the Sunday Times’ response to both the article and subsequent complaints, and thank all of our volunteers, supporters and the general public who have voiced their concerns to us.”
