Manchester cyclists have hit back after comments made by former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne wishing a constituent to be “mown down” by a HGV.
The MP for Gorton and Denton has been suspended by the Labour party after multiple messages were leaked from a Whatsapp group chat. He has also since been sacked in his role as Health Minister.
In the messages, the group made comments about a 72-year-old constituent who was campaigning for more cycle lanes in Greater Manchester to be put in place.
Gwynne’s full comments were: “I had positive visions of him getting mown down by an Elsa Haste HGV while he’s cycling to the Fallowfield Loop. We couldn’t be that lucky!”
Speaking on X, formerly known as Twitter, Gwynne apologised, stating: “I deeply regret my badly misjudged comments and apologise for any offense I’ve caused.”
Since the leaked messages, many groups based around Greater Manchester have stated their disappointment in Gwynne’s comments, including Walk Ride GM, a campaign group based around making it easier to get around Manchester by walking and cycling. They stated they are “appalled by the remarks”.
In a social media statement they said: “Every year, more than 80 cyclists are killed on British roads, people who set out on their bikes and never return home due to the unacceptable dangers they face. Dismissing or mocking those affected by road violence undermines the urgent need for action to make our streets safer.
“It is disgraceful that instead of engaging with constituents advocating for safer roads, local politicians who are ridiculing those who highlight the risks that cyclists face every day.”
Connor Laffan, the Road Captain for his cycling club, has also stated he is, “disappointed but not surprised” that an MP would make this type of statement.
“I’ve seen some research that suggests that sometimes people see cyclists as less than human, especially when they wear safety equipment such as a helmet or high-vis,” he said.
“I’ve also experienced large amounts of abuse while out cycling myself, just for the simple act of cycling or slowing down their drive for a minute. Unfortunately, I’m not surprised by these comments.”
“I unfortunately do also believe that some individuals, including politicians, stoke the flame to sow division to prevent discussions on other issues. I believe that the vast majority of people in the UK would support better road safety and the opposition to more cycle lanes often comes from a small but rather loud group of people.”
Laffan stated that when attempting to recruit riders to join the club, the biggest response he faces is concerns for the safety of cycling on the road.
He added: “Unfortunately when I’m attempting to recruit riders to join the club, the most common response is ‘no thanks, I’m too scared to be cycling around with all the cars about’.
“I believe the aim of the government should be to care for its citizens and any issue with safety associated with them. Cycling is a great way of commuting, exercising, and supporting a healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically. If the Government takes road safety more seriously more people would be cycling and experiencing those benefits.”
“Take for example the Curry Mile, it’s extremely dangerous for cyclists despite the fact that there is a protected and separated bike lane. The number of drivers that turn off or onto the main road through the bike lane causes a lot of conflicts on the road, often leading to crashes. The Netherlands is a great example of how rare conflicts between cyclists and drivers are in city streets despite the high volume of cyclists.”
“The Fallowfield Loop is a step in the right direction, being an entirely separate cycling and walking path. However, people are often on the road on their way to and from the Loop. It’s fantastic in terms of road safety while on it, but then just as bad as anywhere else when getting to it. There’s lots of these types of paths across the UK but they lack any means of connecting to each other, forcing people onto the roads where they often feel threatened by the cars and trucks around them.” #
Louis Haigh, the secretary for transport, previously stated that the Labour government will spend “unprecedented levels of funding” in making cycling and walking more accessible across the country. Laffan thinks the way the UK can do so is to improve its safety for cyclists is by having separated and clearly visible bike lanes.
Quays News has contacted Andrew Gwynne MP for comment.