A local magazine editor has  urged a regional daily to republish a controversial editorial which suggested stringing up razor wire to decapitate cyclists riding on pavements.

The editorial appeared in Grapevine magazine, which is delivered free to 23,000 homes in Sheffield each month, and recounted a conversation between editor Ian Macgill and an “old chum Mr Smith” in which the latter called for wire to be introduced at head height so pavement riders are “taught a lesson.”

Sheffield daily The Star subsequently published a reaction piece from the city’s cycling community, in which Ian was accused of “legitimising hatred” against cyclists.

But rather than apologise, Ian has challenged the paper to republish the editorial in full and send a photographer out to “name and shame” cyclists who ride on pavements.

The controversial editorial

Ian told The Star: “Here’s what to do – reproduce my July editor’s article and ask for your readers’ comments regarding cyclists using Sheffield pavements as racetracks.

“Then send out a snapper to see how many of these idiots can be photographed in a couple of hours. Name and shame them, especially those with a camera on the helmet. In (the) olden days, cyclists dismounted when passing through pedestrian areas.”

Grapevine largely covers stories about people who have had work done on their properties by Sheffield tradespeople, as well as other local interest articles.

In the blog, Ian had himself expressed reservations about the idea touted by “Mr Smith” and said his companion had eventually calmed down and agreed that his plan was “a bit too radical (and messy).”

Sheffield-based cycling blogger Chris Maloney told The Star: “This kind of comment – joking or otherwise – legitimises the anti-cyclist hatred and rhetoric that groups like Ride Sheffield, Peak District MTB and me – as well as others such as CycleSheffield have worked hard – successfully I might add – to combat.

“And more than that, as well as legitimising the bile, Macgill has gone one step further and suggested ways in which an easily led idiot could cause serious bodily harm.

“It’s not surprising that there have been a number of people calling for the police to be involved.”

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said nobody has reported the issue to the force.  HTFP has approached The Star for a comment.