BBC: "Cyclists get off your high horse" + Video

yet again we are the innocent parties and we come off worst, there is really no justice. BBC hang your head in shame and there really should be an on-air apology in a future Look East programme. Disgraceful!!

Pedestrians don't pay road tax (or whatever it's called these days). I've never heard a motorist use this as an excuse when they've knocked one of them over! It's clearly the irrational argument of many a bigoted anti-cycling motorist though. Anyway, why has the focus (in these comments) been towards the mysteries of BBC and VED... where's the discussion on the merits of having reported this incident to the police? Did Paul do this? Neither your report, nor the BBC clip, makes this clear. Just one other point - and I'm not saying this gave the driver a reason to hit Paul - but Paul does appear to be an INORDINATELY long way out in the centre of the road. Looking through the parked car's rear-window he could have judged whether the vehicle was occupied and therefore whether there was a likelihood of the passenger door being opened. He could have stayed closer - this would have been the sensible thing to do. Did Paul signal he was moving out to pass the car? A movement of his arm may have been enough to alert the dopey driver behind him. I know I'm going to be unpopular here, but we, as cyclists, have responsibilities to other road-users too!

Zaskar, meet you at college green for the demo...this time next week, anyone else in!?

Sadly it's always the (publishable) extreme or 'interesting' points of view that get aired. No-one is interested in fair minded comment or reasonable argument, it doesn't make for good copy.

Despite this dreadful piece of so-called journalism, I try to remind myself that there are still lots of people who are considerate and courteous. It's easy to dwell on the bad news and the one driver that cut you up but don't forget there are lots of decent people. And it won't hurt to try to be part of those good things, so do your bit to keep the good karma flowing.

Doh! the council tax/rates contribute to roads, not vehicle exercise duty so we're all able to cycle on the road without a tax disc.

Road tax was abolished by Sir Winston Churchill.

I wonder if the BBC reporter did this on purpose to wind cyclists up.

Next week on BBC news: Black people will be racially abused, people will text in and say go back where you come from as we pay tax...no-you wouldn't get that.

Not one reply about the numpty driver, just cyclist should pay tax...shows how many selfish people there are.

I think as cyclists we need to have a demo in London-it's about time!

Are the producers of this program the same minority that decided that "Vancouver Winter Para Games" should not be shown "Live" as it would remind people that the troops are not just dying in "Iraq/Afgan. misadventures"? When these intelectually disabled people are rammed up the rear in a MTA as they drive, only then will they join the real world!
Championing bad driving of any sort requires a lack of intelligence but then a lot of people working for the BBC lack other abilities also.
Before the start of the 20th century you walked to work then about the time the bicycle came along there was a need to pave the roads and when 4 wheeled automotives appeared they had the benefit of existing facilities.
Anyone knows the Romans paved principle roads but as you look at Movies set in the 20's you will see cars tearing around on dust tracks masquerading as highways!
When will the BBC disown these offensive remarks broadcast, or offer an op. for rebuttal?
Don't hold your breath!

Good point mike, I saw a stat a few years ago which said that cyclists tend to be richer than the general population and as a result own more cars too so as a group they also pay more VED than most people. Strangely cycling organisations don't often mention it, can't think why…

Complaint filed! Dunning-Kruger challenged idiots!

I have never paid a penny in vehicle excise duty. But then I don't pollute the environment, damage the road, or realistically increase the risk that anyone will be killed or maimed. Speaks to the nature of our society that such a simple statement is regarded as "being on my high horse." OK, the IQ idea is a bit elitist, but it was a joke.

HOw many cyclicts actually dont own or in some way contribute(partners car) to road tax. i know i certainly do pay for the privilidge of cycling or driving on road by paying road tax.

Maybe the licence fee should only have to be paid by people above a certain IQ. Then all the people who called in to that show about cyclists not paying "road tax" would be faced with the irony of using a service they weren't paying for. Sadly, they probably wouldn't recognise it.

I think we ought to remind the BBC who pays their fees?

Quite literally speechless...

Actual journalism died on the TV some time ago. This bloke is just a presenter. Expecting him to actually investigate the story, the issues behind it, or really do anything more than read out viewer comments no matter how factually incorrect they are, is unrealistic. Maybe you'd think they would have applied the same rules on "balance" that results in global warming issues being covered by getting in one scientist who believes in and one who doesn't.

Not suprised really, shame the bbc is allowing this daily mail reading population to have a voice. The mere fact that they have these opinions and such disregard for the safety of others should surely set alarm bells ringing about their own skills behind the wheel.