Cycling Mayor Boris 'at risk of terror attack'
nlnews@archant.co.uk
11 June 2008
New Mayor of London Boris Johnson continues to cycle to work
MAYOR of London Boris Johnson is at serious risk of a terrorist attack because he refuses to stop cycling to work, experts have warned.
Most famous politicians travel in cars with reinforced windows driven by highly-trained chauffeurs. But despite having one of the most high-profile jobs in the country, Mr Johnson, of Furlong Road, Holloway, still uses pedal power.
It means he is far more vulnerable to an attempt on his life on the streets of Islington because:
* You can change routes and escape far less effectively by bike
* Cars act as a container from attack while bikes offer no protection
* Vehicles with tinted windows mean attackers have no idea if the target is inside and where he is sitting - on a bike it is obvious
Terrorism expert Dr Peter Neumann, of King's College London, says after the prime minister, home secretary and defence secretary, Mr Johnson is the UK's most high profile politician. He thinks one of the first things the police would have done after Mr Johnson took office was to ask him to stop cycling.
Dr Neumann warned: "The risk he faces increased a lot when he became Mayor. What is particularly problematic is cycling. He is not in a car, so he has no protection. If someone wanted to do him harm it would be quite easy. Immediately on taking office he would have been advised on security." He added: "There is very little one can do to protect him on a bike. It makes him very vulnerable. I would strongly advise him not to ride into work."
His concerns were echoed by Danny Doyle, who owns 655 Ltd, a prestigious firm of bodyguards who have protected politicians and film stars. He said: "It is a bit silly of him to go by bike. He has a high position and quite a bit of power, like a mini-Prime Minister. If someone wants to make a point by getting to him they could easily do it. It would be sensible to go by car or have someone following him by motorbike. But it is up to the person - no-one can force them to have protection."
A police spokesman said they would not comment on security matters. But Mr Johnson said: "I continue to cycle to work. I am told by the Commissioner that there is no security threat to me. I think that is less a comment on whatever risk I have than a comment on the success and hard work of the police.
http://tinyurl.com/4m9395
Here's a radical solution, just close the Holloway Road to all traffic bar cyclists and hand out free blonde wigs to cyclists, job's a good 'un.
nlnews@archant.co.uk
11 June 2008
MAYOR of London Boris Johnson is at serious risk of a terrorist attack because he refuses to stop cycling to work, experts have warned.
Most famous politicians travel in cars with reinforced windows driven by highly-trained chauffeurs. But despite having one of the most high-profile jobs in the country, Mr Johnson, of Furlong Road, Holloway, still uses pedal power.
It means he is far more vulnerable to an attempt on his life on the streets of Islington because:
* You can change routes and escape far less effectively by bike
* Cars act as a container from attack while bikes offer no protection
* Vehicles with tinted windows mean attackers have no idea if the target is inside and where he is sitting - on a bike it is obvious
Terrorism expert Dr Peter Neumann, of King's College London, says after the prime minister, home secretary and defence secretary, Mr Johnson is the UK's most high profile politician. He thinks one of the first things the police would have done after Mr Johnson took office was to ask him to stop cycling.
Dr Neumann warned: "The risk he faces increased a lot when he became Mayor. What is particularly problematic is cycling. He is not in a car, so he has no protection. If someone wanted to do him harm it would be quite easy. Immediately on taking office he would have been advised on security." He added: "There is very little one can do to protect him on a bike. It makes him very vulnerable. I would strongly advise him not to ride into work."
His concerns were echoed by Danny Doyle, who owns 655 Ltd, a prestigious firm of bodyguards who have protected politicians and film stars. He said: "It is a bit silly of him to go by bike. He has a high position and quite a bit of power, like a mini-Prime Minister. If someone wants to make a point by getting to him they could easily do it. It would be sensible to go by car or have someone following him by motorbike. But it is up to the person - no-one can force them to have protection."
A police spokesman said they would not comment on security matters. But Mr Johnson said: "I continue to cycle to work. I am told by the Commissioner that there is no security threat to me. I think that is less a comment on whatever risk I have than a comment on the success and hard work of the police.
http://tinyurl.com/4m9395
Here's a radical solution, just close the Holloway Road to all traffic bar cyclists and hand out free blonde wigs to cyclists, job's a good 'un.
