When the Australian version of the 'Family Fortunes' TV quiz asked contestants to list "the annoying things cyclists might do" there was a very significant backlash. It was only heightened when one of the answers was "everything".
When Australia’s Network Ten TV channel broadcast its Family Feud programme and asked contestants to list “something annoying that cyclists might do” they were forced to apologise pretty quickly.
The programme, Australia’s version of Family Fortunes, puts questions to 100 members of the public.
And when the show airs, the contestants have to guess what the 10 most popular answers were.
When the show posed the question about cyclists, some of the most popular answers given were: taking the driving lane; cut you off; everything; wear lycra; ride slow; run a red light.
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Australian Cycle Alliance president Ed Hore said he was shocked by the question.
He was “astounded” by the backlash to it on social media, but said it was perhaps not surprising given the nature of the question and the popularity of cycling.
"Seriously, the hatred against cyclists has to stop,” he said.
“We are all someone's mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter. We all have family and everyone knows a cyclist.
"I don't watch TV at all, but we heard about it and publicised it, thinking it was another stupid attempt at ratings.
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"We all know that as soon as you bring cyclists into the conversation you're going to get ratings, which is really sad.
"Hatred on the road turns into danger towards cyclists," he added.
"For God's sake, I don't go on my bike to annoy motorists. I don't ride it because it's green either.
The show's host Grant Denyer said he was just handed the card to read and did not set the questions.
“I hate paying for petrol, I hate driving and I'm getting fit and healthy."
Most of the reaction on social media was negative, criticising the channel for putting a question of that nature into its show.
However, others suggested the show was not meant to be taken seriously.
Network Ten said it was not suggesting the answers it had gathered from just 100 respondents reflected the views of Australians towards cyclists.
"Network Ten apologises if the response to a question in Family Feud last night caused any offence,” it said in a statement.
"The results are determined by a survey of 100 Australians and we understand they are not necessarily reflective of all Australians."
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