Cathryn
Legendary Member
- Location
- Marlborough, Wiltshire
Following my polite but incensed email over Christmas about THAT article, I had the following email today from James Harding, Editor of the Times.
"Thank you for taking the time to write to me about Matthew Parris's article (My Week, December 7).
As someone who regularly rides to work and who likes to go on cycling holidays, I shared your alarm, initially fearing that Matthew had it in for me too. But I think it was immediately clear that he was exaggerating for effect - and for a good cause: cyclists, as much as anyone else, must share his determination to protect the natural world from litter and pollution.
I have received many similar e-mails and take note of the heartfelt indignation. You may also have seen the piece that ran in the paper on Monday in defence of the cyclist. While I admire the passion of the cycling lobby and count myself one of their number, I think we do ourselves no favours when we lose our sense of humour and I hope that you, like me, will continue to enjoy Matthew Parris’s excellent writing. That said, two wheels good etc.
Yours,
James Harding"
I'm slightly mollified (and very pleased he's a cycle tourist too) but can't understand how AS A CYCLIST he let that kind of article get away! And I still don't think it's funny.
But I am pleased he replied properly.
"Thank you for taking the time to write to me about Matthew Parris's article (My Week, December 7).
As someone who regularly rides to work and who likes to go on cycling holidays, I shared your alarm, initially fearing that Matthew had it in for me too. But I think it was immediately clear that he was exaggerating for effect - and for a good cause: cyclists, as much as anyone else, must share his determination to protect the natural world from litter and pollution.
I have received many similar e-mails and take note of the heartfelt indignation. You may also have seen the piece that ran in the paper on Monday in defence of the cyclist. While I admire the passion of the cycling lobby and count myself one of their number, I think we do ourselves no favours when we lose our sense of humour and I hope that you, like me, will continue to enjoy Matthew Parris’s excellent writing. That said, two wheels good etc.
Yours,
James Harding"
I'm slightly mollified (and very pleased he's a cycle tourist too) but can't understand how AS A CYCLIST he let that kind of article get away! And I still don't think it's funny.
But I am pleased he replied properly.