Tory threatened by cyclist group

10:26am Wednesday 9th May 2001

Militant cyclists with links to anarchist groups have made veiled threats against Tory councillor Brian Coleman over his controversial remarks following the recent May Day protests.

A message posted on urban cyclist-uk last week read: "He [Mr Coleman] makes a lot of noise in Barnet as well, not just on road issues. I get the feeling the way he would deal with cyclists anywhere would be with both barrels at the same time."

It continued menacingly: "He has the shape of a committed motorist and the attitude of one who would only take notice if you wrote it on a baseball bat."

Mr Coleman, GLA member for Barnet and Camden, angered cycling groups by criticising the go-slow bike protests around Kings Cross. He said: "I put up with swerving around ludicrous cycle lanes in my constituency and I put up with bikes with no reflectors and I put up with cyclists with little or no control over their bicycles.

"I'm under the impression the roads were intended for cars but do I organise a convoy of cars to park in London's cycle lanes? No, I do not and I resent the implication that by choosing cars in favour of London's infamous public transport system drivers are committing some sort of crime."

This week Tom, a spokesman for umbrella cycling group Critical Mass, said: "If Mr Coleman wants to lower himself to that sort of thinking it just proves how out of touch the Tory party is."

Mr Coleman denied he would be taking any precautions in light of the comments. He added: "I'm not going to be intimidated from speaking up on behalf of my constituents by some anarchists."

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