BBC Panorama e-bike special slammed by politicians and industry figureheads for lack of accuracy and balance
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
BBC Panorama's e-Bike episode has been widely criticised by politicians and a number of cycling industry leaders for its unbalanced reporting and lack of accuracy.
According to the BBC, the programme, entitled "E-Bikes: The Battle For Our Streets" and fronted by presenter Adrian Chiles, claimed to investigate "the extraordinary rise of electric bikes on our streets and what that means for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists."
However, the episode, which aired on 6th January and is currently available on BBC iPlayer, has been met with fierce opposition and a growing call for the public to submit official complaints to the BBC via its online portal.
The ACT has presented a formal complaint to the BBC, with Director Jonathan Harrison stating that the Panorama episode "misinformed the public and unfairly harmed the reputation of reputable e-bike providers." He said: "The ACT has actively worked to promote fair and accurate reporting on e-bike issues, including our E-Bike Positive campaign (www.ebikepositive.co.uk), which educates media and consumers on the benefits of road-legal e-bikes."
"A few months ago, we successfully challenged a misleading BBC article linking an accident to e-bike use, resulting in its amendment. I also appeared on BBC Scotland to discuss the issue, which was great to be given that opportunity. It is disappointing that no one from the campaign, or with relevant expertise, was consulted before this programme aired," Harrison said.
"The legitimate e-bike sector provides numerous public benefits, including improved mobility and health. The programme didn’t do enough to convey these benefits. By conflating road-legal e-bikes with illegal e-motorbikes, the programme misinformed the public and unfairly harmed the reputation of reputable e-bike providers."
Green Party politician Caroline Russell criticised the programme's lack of distinction between road-legal and illegal e-bikes, stating: "Legal e-bikes help everyone, including older and disabled people, use bikes more and use cars less, cutting congestion, pollution and road danger. Dockless hire bikes help people make door to door trips not served on public transport often favoured by women getting home (safely) at night.
“There are so many serious issues but if ‘e-bike’ Panorama can’t even identify what is and isn’t an e-bike, and hints about harm from badly-ridden bikes without considering the greater harm from badly-driven motor vehicles, I fear we won’t see practical healthy street solutions any time soon.”
Dan Parsons, Co-Founder of e-bike retailer Fully Charged, described the episode as part of a "barrage of negativity" towards e-bikes. He said: “Public education campaigns, such as e-Bike Positive and Charge Safe aim to counter misconceptions, emphasizing health and environmental benefits, but without a shift in narrative and proactive collaboration among media, regulators, and industry leaders, the eBike sector risks irreparable harm during a crucial period for sustainable transport solutions.”
Lee Kidger, former Managing Director of bike manufacturer Raleigh, questioned the programme's motives and its failure to consult industry experts, stating: "The BBC share information on the regulations which is great, but clearly haven’t spoken to industry experts. They probably should have looked at being educated…and maybe going to a specific Electric Bike Shop.
“These companies only sell EAPC compliant products, that will change people’s way to travel. We all know that this mode of transport can transform cities, leisure travel and commuting, providing they are used in the correct, compliant way.”
Mark Sutton, Managing Editor at Cycling Electric, said the programme could lead to "real economic harm and job losses." He said: “Last night's BBC Panorama was the latest in a long road of poor examples of the press 'educating' the public about electric bikes, conflating them with e-motorbikes.
“The bike industry deserves an apology and in speaking to one specialist retailer today, it is mooted whether there exist legal avenues to redress the horror that is being endured by businesses week after week."
Other organisations, such as the London Cycling Campaign, argued the episode painted a "tabloid, crime-ridden, apocalyptic vision" of e-bikes while ignoring their benefits for public health, climate, and reducing car dependency. One spokesperson emphasised the need for "government intervention to control the sale and import of illegal modifications."
