Jeremy Vine has decided to cease posting videos of his interactions with drivers while biking due to the excessive amount of online abuse he has been subjected to, admitting that “it did get to me.” The well-known TV and radio host has been sharing clips of his daily commute in London for years, highlighting instances where motorists are behaving recklessly and stressing the need for increased awareness towards cyclists. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s World at One, Vine discussed his choice to stop uploading these videos after announcing the decision on social media the day before.
The BBC Radio 2 presenter expressed his frustration with the negative comments he receives online, referring to the criticism as “trolling.” He explained, “I shouldn’t mind, but in the end I just thought I just want to now switch the narrative, I don’t want to do this any more and in the end it did get to me.” Vine also noted the strong attachment to car culture in the UK, stating, “Car driving is a religion in this country,” and highlighting that any contradictory viewpoints are met with backlash.
Vine shared some of the offensive remarks he has encountered online, including threats of harm and personal attacks directed at his family. One comment suggested he only upload another cycling video if it depicted him being injured and hospitalized. The broadcaster’s social media posts often ignite debates regarding both the actions of drivers and his own conduct, with some finding his language divisive. Despite facing backlash, Vine emphasized his goal was to raise awareness about the risks cyclists face in urban areas.
In addition to the online abuse, Vine referenced the recent theft of his bike from his residence as one of the factors influencing his decision to halt the release of cycling videos. Reflecting on his motivation for sharing these clips, he stated, “My aim was only to get all of us who drive to think about the dangers of trying to move around cities on a pushbike.” Vine’s past experiences, such as encountering numerous driving offenses daily and being targeted by a woman who was later imprisoned for her actions, have shaped his perspective on road safety issues
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