A VIDEO made to promote children cycling to school together in Worcester has divided opinion after it went viral on TikTok.
The video by Bike Worcester has already received over 200,000 views and more than 2,000 comments from people both supporting and challenging the organisation.
The organisation dedicated to improving cycling options for people in the city shared the TikTok on Monday (December 16).
@bike.worcester The venn diagram of people who think children spend too long indoors and on screens, and those who hate a movement that is focused around improving children’s independent mobility seems to be a perfect circle 🤷 @Bike Bus World #bikeworcester #bikebus #bikebusworld #activetravel #schoolrun #whatanoddthingtosay ♬ What an odd thing to say - Kari
Bike buses are an organised cycle ride that follows a set route where people can join or leave at any location.
They have risen in popularity in Worcester as a way for schoolchildren to safely travel to school without using a car.
However, not everyone shares the belief that bike buses are a good thing for the city.
One commenter said: "And car drivers who pay road tax should be able to get on with their day."
Another said: "How on earth is this not dangerous."
One added: "I personally think there are alternatives because this could cause a lot of traffic."
Dan Brothwell, chair of Bike Worcester, responded to some of the most prevalent complaints the videos received.
"Car drivers pay road tax"
Mr Brothwell said: "There is no such thing as road tax.
"Roads are funded by general tax and I think it shows people's ignorance that they think that the vehicle emissions duty they pay is a road tax.
"I own an electric car and I pay nothing in vehicle emissions tax, just like a cyclist wouldn't."
"How on earth is this not dangerous"
Mr Brothwell replied: "We have bike buses all over Worcester helping children get to school.
The only thing that makes them dangerous is drivers breaking the law."
"This could cause a lot of traffic"
Mr Brothwell said: "At rush hour in Worcester, we travel at the same speeds as vehicles so we are not slowing anybody down."
Read more: Family Christmas bike ride coming to Worcester
Read more: Worcester revealed to be cycling hotspot in West Midlands
Bike buses help to keep riders of all abilities safe in a group, as riding alone can sometimes bring some difficult reactions from other road users.
Mr Brothwell said: "I would say about five per cent of cars when I cycle to work either pass to closely or are abusive to me when they pass.
"Women tend to get even more abuse on average so I my experiences are just the tip of the iceberg.
"The vast majority of drivers on the roads are okay but some people are just breaking the law by speeding, ignoring road signs and overtaking too closely."
Worcester will host the third annual World Bike Bus Summit in April 2025.
Barcelona and Frankfurt were the hosts of the previous two events.
Mr Brothwell added: "We want to have bike buses running to every primary school in Worcester and beyond.
"Anyone who wants to start a bike bus can do so by getting in touch."
Share