'Online abuse forms a part of the argument against plans for cycling' - Liverpool Echo

'Online abuse forms a part of the argument against plans for cycling'A new study at the University of Liverpool has shone a light on increasing levels of harassment directed at elected

officialsCommentsNewsDavid Humphreys Local Democracy Reporter16:09, 02 Jun 2025Fender Lane cycle route. Credit: Ed Barnes(Image: Copyright Unknown) A new study has revealed the extent to

which cycling policies cause city leaders to face abuse and harassment. Researchers at the University of Liverpool have uncovered alarming levels of abuse directed at councillors in relation

to cycling and transport initiatives.

Published in the Journal of Local Government Studies, their research explores how social media shapes local government decision-making and how it compares with more traditional methods of

public engagement, such as emails and face-to-face meetings. More than 145 councillors and transport officers responded to the survey detailing the use of social media and how traditional

engagement methods remain the most influential in shaping policy decisions.

‌ Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported experiencing abuse on social media related to their roles with half reporting that they had been targeted by coordinated online campaigns. Cllr

Kris Brown, a cyclist who represents the Liberal Democrats on Liverpool Council, said “online abuse forms a part of the argument against proposals for active transport.”

‌ According to the university study, email communication was rated as the most effective form of public input, followed by face-to-face meetings. Social media, though frequently used, was

considered less influential and was ranked third overall.

Twitter - known now as X - was broadly viewed as the most balanced platform while Facebook produced the most negative input. The work found in some cases, online harassment had escalated

into real-world threats.

One councillor was “doxxed,” with personal details, including home address and family information, posted online. Another feared physical harm towards themselves and their family from an

aggressive motorist. Two respondents even spoke of plans to stand down from their role.

Article continues below One of the more unexpected findings was that 28% of respondents viewed interactions with pro-cycling advocates as unhelpful or even hostile. Some advocates were seen

as overly aggressive, criticising policies for not going far enough—an approach that may inadvertently harm the cause they aim to promote.

Dr Alex Nurse, Lead researcher and Reader in Urban Planning at the University of Liverpool, said: “This study reveals the shocking extent of abuse directed at public officials, some of which

spills into real-world intimidation. One respondent even feared for their children’s safety.

“While social media is a powerful tool, it doesn’t replace traditional methods when it comes to meaningful community engagement. Interestingly, we also found that well-meaning but overly

forceful advocacy—particularly from pro-cycling campaigners—can sometimes undermine the very schemes they are trying to support.

‌ “Although focused on cycling infrastructure, the study has broader implications for local democracies worldwide—especially those grappling with complex issues such as climate action, urban

planning, housing, and public space.” Cllr Brown told the ECHO of the issues he had encountered.

He said: “As is often the case with ‘for or against’ issues, social media can often bring out the worst of people as well as the good, and it becomes a forum about who shouts loudest. The

saddest part of all of it, is that the online abuse then forms a part of the argument against proposals for active transport - whether that be in Liverpool or elsewhere, and it’s important

for councillors to take a step back and actually engage on evidence rather than just online commentary - especially when the commentary tends to come from people outside of an area affected

by change.

“The reality is that, for Liverpool, as is across the Liverpool city region, we desperately need bolder strategies around active transport such as integrated cycle and scooter lanes.”

Article continues below The Gateacre councillor said comments online shouldn’t dominate any debate and elected officials were “human beings, professionals and shouldn’t be subject to any

form of abuse.”

He added: “If any councillor is experiencing issues - as the study suggests - they should reach out to the local government association, who have been doing enormous work to support

councillors from online abuse and are actively lobbying Parliament to legislate to protect councillors from threats and harm.”