MP puts a spoke in the BBC’s wheel

A BBC television documentary about cycling has been described as “stupid and inaccurate” by an MP who said it could lead to more confrontations on the roads.

The hour-long programme entitled War On Britain’s Roads is described by the BBC as “a dramatic and unique insight into the unfolding tension and conflict” on the roads.

Ian Austin MP, who chairs the parliamentary cycling group, said the programme, to be broadcast tomorrow, was “stupid, sensationalist, simplistic, irresponsible nonsense”.

He said the documentary presented footage of dangerous stunts that cyclists had filmed for a commercial production, as if it was “normal behaviour.”

Mr Austin said: “I don’t see why garbage like this should be produced in the first place and if the BBC insists on showing it, they have a duty to ensure that it is placed in context and the real issues are discussed properly on its other programmes.”