http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Poor taste cyclist joke on 6music: Radcliffe & Maconie en Sun, 31 May 2026 16:12:31 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3883#post-40733 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:10:35 +0000 crowriver 40733@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Actually I misremembered what was said. Upon 'listening again' using iPlayer (the cyclists anecdote is about 1 hour 6 minutes in) the connection between 'lycra-clad cyclists' and 'pervert' rock was made by 'a listener from Dorset' and then parroted to mildly amusing effect by Maconie. Radcliffe's complaint was that the 'peloton' refused to get into single file while 'doing about 20' upon his approach, instead 'bunching up even more' and even daring to have a drink at a junction. The fantasy about him driving his vehicle into them is as I had remembered.</p> <p>So basically it's the classic misinformed driver rant, with Maconie pitching in 'Of course they should!' (get in single file, that is). Someone needs to send Radcliffe and Maconie a copy of the Highway Code methinks! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3883#post-40725 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:09:45 +0000 crowriver 40725@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Like I said I enjoy the show normally, and I'm aware of the 'edgy' grumpy bloke persona that Mark Radcliffe cultivates, it can be amusing. This just seemed to be a cheap shot frankly. It's exactly the kind of thing Clarkson gets away with, and the cumulative effect of ridiculing cyclists, to the extent of broadcasting violent retribution fantasies (however ludicrous and tongue in cheek) just perpetuates stereotypical attitudes towards cyclists as lycra louts who wilfully obstruct motorists, and deserve whatever's coming their way. Sorry, but it was at edge to far for me... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3883#post-40723 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:33:27 +0000 recombodna 40723@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'll stick up for Mark here. Having performed on his show a few times I can say that both he and stewart are very nice and genuine people. I'm sure he in no way meant to offend but instead was just having a laugh at the ridiculousness of middle aged lycra clad cyclists....... which are fair game in my book even if I do happen to be one of them...... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3883#post-40714 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:41:23 +0000 crowriver 40714@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Working from home today, was in the kitchen with radio on, BBC6 (Radcliffe &amp; Maconie) when a joke thread turned into a tasteless rant against cyclists. </p> <p>As I entered the room, there was a 'true life' story about sticks of rock with the word 'pervert' through them. Then Mark Radcliffe said 'Speaking of perverts, I was driving down a narrow country lane the other day, and was held up by a bunch of lycra clad cyclists..." (Stuart Maconie issued a hasty "steady on!" at this point) Apparently they were club riders, blocking the lane while having a drink. Radcliffe then went into 'ironic' mode, fantasising about driving his vehicle right through the offending cyclists. "That'll teach them to mess with me while driving my monster truck!"</p> <p>Okay, so it was a silly jest, but I found it in very bad taste, almost Jeremy Clarkson in style. Maybe Radcliffe's appearance on Grumpy Guide to Driving had a galvanising effect, or maybe that's just the Clarkson 'licence to rant' effect. I have to admit being very surprised by this and a bit offended. </p> <p>I e-mailed the show with a mild-mannered complaint. Having received a standard autoreply I think I will now make a formal complaint. I'm sad about it because normally I enjoy this show.</p> <p>You will be able to catch the show later on iPlayer here:<br /> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0100rp6">http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0100rp6</a></p> <p>If anyone else feels like complaining, you can do so here:<br /> <a href="www.bbc.co.uk/complaints">http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints</a> </p>