In Praise of Media People Who Cycle
I have been the media spokesperson for Cycle Action Auckland since October 2009, when I became Chair of Cycle Action Auckland. I frequently marvel at the major shift in media attitudes to cycling during the time I have been doing this job. It’s most evident in media interest and response to new cycling initiatives and road crashes involving cyclists.
Looking back, I was brave to take on the role, as I was still feeling bruised from Metro magazine’s scathing representation of cyclists in March 2008 in its article on the Lake Road cycle lane project. Admittedly the issue had been ramped up by a local pressure group representing car drivers. The image to the right was one of a number similar representations which showed cyclists to be slathering, ranting fiends. Cycle Action was working closely with the NZTA at the time on possible options for adding a cycle lane to the Harbour Bridge – I recall a number of their staff reported in the month after the publication of the Metro article that their daily commute had become noticeably more difficult due to gratuitous rude behaviour from motorists.
Compare this ‘cycling fiend’ image with photo in a recent Herald on Sunday story, which has the headline – ‘Cyclists plead for space from abusive motorists‘. The article is sympathetic to the aggro experienced by the cyclists, who are conveyed as reasonable road users asking for more tolerance from others sharing the road. You’ll notice the Herald on Sunday is seeking comment on the article. I hope you’ll take this chance to make a comment if you can add to the article.
I am often contacted by reporters for radio, print and TV within an hour of an Auckland cycle crash causing major injury or death. I am frequently impressed by their awareness of the issues and the balanced approach behind their questions. This is a welcome change from the 2008 Metro article. Do you think it reflects a younger demographic of people working in media? Or is it that they also reflect a middle class trend for more people to cycle for transport and fitness. What do you reckon?
Whatever the cause – I’m raising a glass to toast all those journalists who are helping bring about more informed and reasoned debate on cycling and transport issues!
CAA Committee, General News, Media
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Auckland, CAA Committee, Cycle Action, Cycle Action Auckland, cycle lane, General News, Media
Fullers (CAA Sponsor)
Themocracy
I agree.
This insightful piece in Slate (http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2012/09/cyclists_are_annoying_why_you_think_they_re_a_menace_on_two_wheels_.html) sheds light on attitudes to people who ride bikes. I reckon a good strategy is to reposition cycling as an everyday, mainstream activity enjoyed by more than a million NZers. Fun, comfortable, convenient. This undermines old-fashioned views of cycling as something other people do.
Pressing the bikers vs motorist button is lazy journalism, and is on the way out.
I’d agree that the perception of “cyclists” as this strange, whinging, obnoxious, {insert own adjective} group is definitely improving. I think we should also thank the likes of Frocks on Bikes and the Tweed Riders for helping people to see past the “lycra lout” image to “normal” cycling.
Where I still have a problem is with media applying the “if it bleeds it leads” approach to reporting on cycling. No matter what the cycling angle, it seems that they have to put in the stats for cycling crashes, thus subtly implying “but of course it’s still dangerous”. E.g. have a look at http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/7621353/Cyclists-welcome-specific-route-planner – it’s about mapping, not crashes!
It can be a real own goal to report crash numbers to highlight safety concerns – the average Jo Public with no grasp of relative risk just thinks it’s a deathwish, despite what the stats actually say. Far better to focus on the “fun” in public and discuss any safety concerns in private with authorities I’d say.
Hi Glen – we had some discussions on this in the past here at CAA and not come to a hard-and-fast decision in CAA as to whether we consider “any news as good news”, or try to ignore crash risk stories. Certainly we agree that positive stories are the best.
I certainly have experienced the same feeling, and always tend to skip to the end of cycling-related articles to see if the author managed to keep himself/herself from adding a “BUT…” sentence on an otherwise positive piece.
On the other hand, what is interesting (or unique, with our bad overall crash records, internationally) about the last “Four deaths during car pileup on State Highway Something”-type article? They lead with that too, so it’s not so much anti-cycling, as much as a simple (simplistic?) newspaper attitude on what they feel people want to read.
Richard Horner made exactly this point on a Herald story about a fortnight ago. He asked us to write a rebuttal/balancing letter or story but we have all been too busy. I have stored it for an opportunity to make his points. But Glen, could you write a short item as a guest blogger for our website – with you knowledge and authority it would be a handy thing to have for when we need to leap to on this subject. I’ll flick you Richard Horner’s request so you see his comments.
I think it’s just a key part of media culture these days to report on violent accidents. I also doubt it actually discourages people from cycling much. as max points out there is, literally, almost one story a day about car crashes and most people still drive. likewise at least a million nzers ride recreationally on a regular basis. I think people are less affected by statistics than they are by personal experience and observation. for example, I know several girls who gave cycling a go in Auckland for a few weeks, who really wanted to make it work, but just ffound it too scary and gave up…likewise I know several people who quit after one too many scary accidents.
anyway, great work on the media front barber! I am so grateful for all the work you do!
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