Councillor accused of setting bad example

A LABOUR councillor in Gateshead has been accused of setting a bad example on cycling safety.

Cabinet member Councillor John McElroy turned up for a photo opportunity to promote cycle routes complete with bike and safety helmet.

He then proceeded to be photographed cycling across the Millennium footbridge dangling the helmet from the handle bar of his bike, rather than wearing it.

The photo was then reproduced in a Gateshead Council magazine Gateshead Council News that was sent to every house in the borough earlier this year.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Jonathan Wallace said, “John McElroy has set a bad example to the people of Gateshead. He should have worn the safety helmet rather than leave it hanging from the front of the bike as he posed for photos.

“He needs to be more responsible in future. It is especially important that we encourage young people in particular to take safety seriously. But how can that be done if a person in a position of authority treats the issue as simply a prop for his own publicity?

“Councillor McElroy should apologise to the people of Gateshead. And if he doesn’t, it’s a case of ‘On Yer Bike’ for him, but only after putting his crash helmet on!”