Category: News

On the past couple of shows I have mentioned that police in certain cities are cracking down on scofflaw cyclists for running red lights, failing to yield to pedestrians, etc. On the most recent show I also railed against motorists who fail to yield to cyclists and repeated my oft-mentioned question from my family upon my return from a ride in the city (‘how many people tried to kill you today?’).

But now things are starting to go too far.

In his December 27 Times Online column, Matthew Parris engages in a vile rant against cyclists that includes the following despicable suggestions:

• ‘A festive custom we could do worse than foster would be stringing piano wire across country lanes to decapitate cyclists.’
• ‘…the lynching of a cyclist … would be a joy to witness.’
• ‘Does cycling turn you into an insolent jerk? Or are insolent jerks drawn disproportionately to cycling?’

Thankfully, scores of people have found the article and written comments protesting Parris’ ‘surprising and vicious incitement to homicide.’ If you’re so inclined, I recommend that you too let Parris (and his editors and publishers) know how you feel.

If you’re so inclined, write to the Press Complaints Commission.

I got an email today from my friend, Dave Shields. Dave is the author of The Race, The Tour, and Tour de Life (the story of Saul Raisin’s injury and miraculous recovery). In the email, Dave relayed the news that Saul Raisin’s career as a professional cyclist has now come to an end. As Dave said in his email:

Unfortunately his comeback was partialy dependent on factors outside of his control. Each time a doctor, sponsor, or race organizer signed off on his participation they also signed on to an enormous liability should he crash or cause a crash. Unfortunately the time has come when the risks were too large for someone with a lot at stake.

For more information, in Saul’s own words, check out the Saul Raisin blog.

There is an old saying that goes, ‘whenever one door closes, another one opens.’ Having met and spoken with Saul twice, having met his amazing parents, and knowing his story, I am 100% confident that Saul will be successful no matter what door he chooses to walk through next.

God speed, Saul Raisin.