Vicky T (she/her)

ALT Mike Sweeney recently claimed on his show that the new cycle lanes on Deansgate are only used by delivery riders. This statement is both misleading and harmful. Firstly, the cycle lanes on Deansgate are still under construction and not yet open for public use. Making claims about their current usage is factually incorrect. Secondly, suggesting that workers for cycle delivery companies do not “count” as legitimate users of cycling infrastructure is dehumanising. Every cyclist, regardless of their profession, has the right to safe infrastructure, and their usage of the lanes is a clear indication of their value. As a BBC presenter, Mike Sweeney has a responsibility to ensure his statements are accurate, especially on politically sensitive issues like active travel in Manchester. By presenting an opinion as fact without evidence, he has misled listeners and undermined an important conversation about sustainable transport in the city. We call on the BBC and Mike Sweeney to issue a cor