Hypocritical

A firm hired to advise Transport for London on how to encourage people to travel by bike has banned its employees from cycling because of the dangers.

Jacobs Babtie, an engineering company with 36 offices around Britain, had landed itself in hot water for telling staff they must drive or use public transport. They can only cycle if they are working away from roads, such as on canal towpaths.

The firm, which advises local authorities on sustainable transport projects, was paid £6 million by TfL last year to monitor the impact of congestion charging and how many people have switched from cars to walking or cycling.

Ken Livingstone's green transport adviser Jenny Jones called on TfL to re-consider the contract. "It is hypocritical to offer advice on promoting cycling but at the same time ban your staff from using bikes."