Jeremy Vine, the renowned broadcaster known for his cycling videos, has announced he will cease posting his popular clips on social media due to the overwhelming online abuse he has faced. The decision, made public on April 28, 2025, follows a series of incidents that have left him feeling targeted and unsafe.
For years, Vine has shared videos documenting his daily commutes and encounters with motorists while cycling through London. His footage, often recorded from a helmet-mounted camera, has sparked lively debates about road safety, garnering over 100 million views. However, the broadcaster has revealed that the reaction to these videos has become increasingly hostile, leading to a significant amount of trolling and even death threats.
Vine's decision to stop sharing his cycling adventures comes after his bike was stolen from outside his home in Chiswick, west London, last week. He expressed his concerns to his 765,000 Twitter followers, stating that the theft made him reconsider whether he wanted to "go back into the trolling furnace" when he eventually gets a new bike.
In his announcement, Vine explained, "The trolling just got too bad. They have had well over 100 million views but in the end, the anger they generate has genuinely upset me." He further elaborated on the nature of the abuse he has received, which includes comments wishing harm upon him, such as a desire to see him "crushed under a truck." He described this as a "very real danger" for cyclists and noted that there are currently at least two death threats against him being investigated by the police.
Vine's videos, while intended to highlight the dangers cyclists face on the roads, have often attracted a mix of praise and criticism. He stated, "I enjoy debates but not abuse. It’s strange that getting interested in road safety can actually endanger a person." He reflected on how he has faced backlash for simply trying to promote cycling safety, saying that the level of hatred he receives has worn him down.
On BBC Radio 4's World at One, Vine discussed the toll the online vitriol has taken on him, saying, "I do have to deal with quite a lot of incoming, what you would have called flak in the olden days, but now they call it trolling. I shouldn't mind, but in the end, I just thought I want to switch the narrative; I don't want to do this anymore."
In a previous podcast appearance, Vine humorously suggested that some aggressive drivers might be suffering from "small d*** energy" and are "not getting enough sex," a comment that sparked further debate about his approach to discussing road safety. He remarked, "What happens is, all the people who are not getting enough sex lock themselves in small metal boxes and drive around London. That’s fundamentally what’s going on in our society." His provocative remarks have drawn both supporters and detractors, with some accusing him of being overly militant in his stance.
Despite the backlash, Vine has remained committed to his cause, stating that he will continue to report dangerous driving incidents to the authorities, even if he no longer shares them online. He emphasized the importance of dialogue between cyclists and drivers, saying, "I just hope I was part of a dialogue about it." He believes that the awareness of cycling safety has improved in London over the years, with recent studies indicating that bicycles now make up a significant portion of peak-time traffic in the City of London.
Vine's journey as a cyclist has not been without its challenges. In 2018, he reported filming up to 40 driving offenses daily while commuting from Chiswick to the BBC offices in Oxford Circus. His experiences have often highlighted the dangers faced by cyclists, and he has been vocal about the need for better consideration of their safety on the roads.
Reflecting on his decision to stop posting cycling videos, Vine admitted that he will miss the "creative freedom" he had in making them. He noted that some of his most popular videos were about seemingly minor incidents, which sparked significant discussions about road safety. "Some of the biggest videos were actually about the smallest incidents, like someone turning left in front of me," he said.
As he prepares to step back from sharing his cycling experiences, Vine's impact on the conversation surrounding road safety remains significant. He hopes that his efforts have contributed to a greater understanding between cyclists and drivers, even if it has come at a personal cost.
In a world where social media can amplify both support and hatred, Vine's story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to speak out for safety and awareness on the roads. While he may no longer share his adventures online, his commitment to advocating for cyclist safety continues unabated.
