In his article for The Times on 27 December 2007, Parris took a strong line against cyclists, beginning his column with "A festive custom we could do worse than foster would be stringing piano wire across country lanes to
decapitate cyclists",
[14] going on to denounce cyclists on a number of grounds, particularly their alleged propensity for littering. This came as a shock to many cyclists, including some who had previously been caught by similar wires. Responses in the paper included letters
[15] and a column in reply mentioning, among other things, that litter is often found along all-motor vehicle routes.
[16] Comparisons have been made to other issues of
incitement and
hate speech,
[17] which have been a controversial issue in the UK in recent years. Parris, who is openly homosexual and therefore a member of another potentially targeted minority, opposed the idea of a gay-protecting law in another column.
[18]
On 3 January 2008, Parris apologised, "It was meant humorously but so many cyclists have taken it seriously that I plainly misjudged. I am sorry."
[19]
Since his article, several cases of people possibly following his advice have been reported.
[20] No charges were brought against Parris for the incitement.