London cyclists have spent years pointing the finger at motorists. But a furious new backlash is turning that argument on its head, with one cyclist insisting the capital's riders need to take a hard look at their own behaviour. The flashpoint is a viral video filmed at the floating bus stop on Farringdon Street. It shows large numbers of cyclists streaming across a zebra crossing while pedestrians are left stranded on either side, unable to cross. The scene is described as a frequent occurrence at the junction. And for Mauricio Alencar, a London cyclist himself, it is evidence that the debate over dangerous roads cannot simply be reduced to cars versus bikes. Alencar says cyclists with cameras mounted on their heads, including Jeremy Vine and Cycling Mikey, have spent years highlighting motorists' behaviour. He argues that the recklessness of cyclists themselves has been largely ignored. Now, he says, that silence needs to end. Alencar is not attacking cycling itself. He began cycling last summer and says it has made his journey to work quicker, cheaper and more lively, while bike doctors funded by Westminster Council have repeatedly helped him deal with problems. He is also a fan of e-bikes, describing their introduction as one of the best things to happen in London in recent years. He says they have made getting around on nights out much easier, and singles out Forest as his preferred service over Lime. But his enthusiasm for cycling comes with a warning. He argues that one particular group of riders has become especially notorious: cyclists in skin-tight lycra whom he labels "the bums". His description is deliberately mocking. He portrays them as riders wearing padded shorts, expensive helmets and cycling shoes who weave through traffic, brush past pedestrians and other cyclists, and show little regard for road rules. Their biggest offence, he argues, is queue-jumping. Along the Thames cycleway between the City and Westminster Bridge, cyclists regularly encounter traffic lights that remain green for only a few seconds, creating queues when the route becomes congested. Rule-abiding cyclists wait their turn. But Alencar says his "bums" race around the outside of the queue, cutting in at the front rather than waiting at the back. He admits he has started positioning his own bicycle diagonally to prevent them from passing. He describes this as the beginning of what he jokingly calls a "civil war" against fellow cyclists and hopes others will join him. City police target 'lycra louts' who jump red lights at Bank Junction The argument comes as frustration over cycling infrastructure continues to grow. The National Federation of the Blind UK has repeatedly criticised floating bus stops, while pedestrians have also become increasingly vocal about the problems they can create. Alencar argues that cyclists themselves should play a bigger role in confronting riders who break the rules. But he insists that does not mean restricting cycling or removing cycle lanes across the capital. He rejects calls for fewer cycle lanes and opposes suggestions that workers should lose discounts for buying bicycles. However, he believes some planning decisions have clearly put cyclists in situations where pedestrian safety and common sense have been overlooked. One example is the crossing between Southwark Bridge and Queen Street through Upper Thames Street. Alencar questions why cyclists are allowed to enter a path containing strangely positioned plant pots and criticises traffic lights that allow pedestrians to cross while cyclists are present. Floating bus stops are his biggest target. The infrastructure has become central to the latest controversy, and he argues that cyclists who refuse to stop at zebra crossings should face community service. His proposed solution is deliberately provocative: ban cyclists from wearing lycra on their commute unless they are competing in a race. If someone needs padded clothing because their "bum is hurting too much", he argues, they should reconsider how far they are cycling. For Alencar, commuting by bike should be casual rather than a performance. He takes aim at riders he portrays as Tour de France wannabes who believe they rule London's roads. The wider message, however, is more serious. He wants cyclists to pause their constant battle with motorists and acknowledge that cars are not always the villain. His manifesto is blunt: never wear lycra on the commute, wait your turn on the Thames cycleway and accept that cars are not always responsible. He also calls on cyclists to slow down at pedestrian crossings, even when they intend to disregard a red light. And his final demand is perhaps the simplest of all. Don't be an arse. The argument leaves London with a familiar question, but a different target. If cycling is supposed to make the capital's streets safer and easier to navigate, can cyclists themselves help restore order — or will the battle between bikes, cars and pedestrians simply continue? Are cars really the problem? London cyclists, it’s time to look within our ranks
Create an account or sign in to comment