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Derbyshire Police criticised for suggesting 'lycra clad cycling' is currently unacceptable

Force clarifies it really meant group riding after riders in matching club gear were spotted on the Snake Pass

Derbyshire Police have been criticised for stating that ‘local exercise’ during the coronavirus crisis, “does not include lycra-clad leisure cycling on the now quieter roads.” The force later claimed the comment was a specific reference to what appeared to be members of cycling clubs riding in large groups on the Snake Pass.

Yesterday, police in Derbyshire urged cyclists – and others – not to flout government restrictions regarding exercise during the coronavirus pandemic.

The force provided as one example, “large groups” of riders apparently in club kit riding on the Snake Pass.

Nevertheless, the original comment about ‘lycra-clad cycling’ came under fire on Twitter for being poorly-worded, implying that any form of leisure cycling while clad in lycra was unacceptable.

“So I've got a 7 mile commute (key worker) to my work and I wear lycra coz it's more comfortable,” said Liam McReanan. “Thanks for the target on my back.”

Elisabeth Anderson said that the tweet should have referred to "cycling clubs in matching outfits" rather than "lycra-clad cyclists".

“People can and should be taking exercise, wearing sports clothes is totally acceptable. Are you going to start tweeting about groups of ‘tracksuit clad’ people walking near each other?”

Another user, @dashfiets, said: “You could have just written ‘It does not include riding in groups’ in the first place then? Given that's the bit that's actually the problem, not what their outfits are made from or whether they match.”

British Cycling thanked the force for clarifying the initial comments, and added: “To be clear, we are advising our members to ride responsibly, which means only going out once a day, on our own, or with people we live with, and keeping 2 metres apart from anyone we see.”

Cycling UK is advising the cancellation of all group rides and activities following the latest Government guidance.

The charity adds that, “it remains advisable for people to cycle for their health, fitness and well-being, but in line with our previous guidance, you should only do this alone or with members of your household unless any of them have reason to self-isolate.”

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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6 comments

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Rik Mayals unde... | 3 years ago
3 likes

What about the jeans-clad people driving to the area to walk?

Or the lead-clad dog taken to the area so that it's owner can collect the shit and hang it from a tree in a bag?

Avatar
cbrndc | 3 years ago
4 likes

Definitely a display of underlying predjudice using the recognised hate terms involved. The police have a new stick to beat the public with and they are determined to use it. Travelling to beauty spots to play with their drones and film totally isolated walkers - not essential.

Avatar
Michael Scott | 3 years ago
10 likes

The term "lycra clad" seems to invariably be used in a pejorative sense. Thereby revealing an underlying prejudice.

One of the last "acceptable" forms of prejudice - hatred of the cyclist

Avatar
Rick_Rude | 3 years ago
0 likes

Won't be long before the police start trawling Strava. Drove to a spot to ride.....nicked. Out in a group on strava...nicked. Out for more than 30 minutes exercise on strava.... nicked. Gone too far from home.... nicked.

Avatar
essexian | 3 years ago
5 likes

Have the Police got any independent witnesses that this happened....sorry video evidence is not acceptable.

 

What...different evidence rules for the police than if we try to submit a complaint. 

Avatar
ktache | 3 years ago
9 likes

If you mean "cycling in large groups" then say say "cycling in large groups".

Not difficult is it.

 

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