Conservative councilor weighs in on discussion about high-visibility clothing for cyclists with ‘reprehensible’ tirade…says ‘Lycra lumberjacks’ who ride on roads instead of cycle paths ‘suffer the consequences’

A Conservative councilor in Northumberland has been criticized for “reprehensible” comments about cyclists. He had written a bizarre rant on Facebook in response to a post from the county council urging pedestrians and cyclists to ensure they are visible to motorists during the darker winter months.

The council also faced questions about its approach, particularly from those who suggested that asking drivers to be extra careful and watch out for vulnerable road users might be a more effective approach, but Councilor Ian Hutchinson’s response was still received a few steps further.

The comment posted from his account read: “In Northumberland we spend millions on cycle paths but “lycia louts” (sic) don’t use them! Come cyclists, play the game and appreciate what we are doing to stay.” Be safe! If you ride on the road and there is a bike lane, YOU must face the consequences!!!!!!”

A response to the Conservative councilor called his stance “pretty reprehensible” for someone in his office.

“Cyclists have a right to use the roads and to be safe on them. “Your attitude is disgusting,” one reply said.

road.cc has contacted Cllr Hutchinson for comment but has not received a response at the time of publication.

The abuse came as Northumberland County Council urged pedestrians and cyclists to “wear something bright or reflective to help drivers see you” during the winter months.

“Calling all pedestrians and cyclists,” the council posted, sharing the image above. “During the fall and winter months, drivers take longer to notice you. Be extra careful near or crossing roads, or try wearing something bright or reflective to help drivers see you.”

While most cyclists use lights and many wear high-visibility clothing, it has also been repeatedly pointed out that this does not protect against dangerous riding, and there have of course been cases where cyclists have suffered near misses, been hit or even, tragically, killed while using lights and warning signals as required for safety reasons for items of this type.

> High-visibility vest ‘melted into the trees,’ says driver accused of causing cyclist’s death

For this reason, when these positions are filled by emergency services and local authorities at this time of year, often to coincide with the time change, they are always faced with the question of whether their road safety efforts would have been better served elsewhere.

The first reply to the post said: “Do you think it would be better to word it like this: Drivers pay particular attention to pedestrians and cyclists?”

Another person wrote: “To be fair, pedestrians and cyclists can use all the extra caution in the world, it won’t do any good as the drivers who don’t notice you are most likely looking at their phone.”