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After Boris Johnson's taxi rant: Four other memorable political cycling gaffes

As London Mayor makes headlines for telling a taxi driver for "f*** off and die" while cycling, here are four other memorable political biking rows

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A man cycles a Barclays Bike outside Parliament
A man cycles a Barclays Bike outside Parliament Credit: Photo: © Rui Pires / Alamy

DAVID CAMERON

Conservative Party Leader David Cameron arrives by bicycle at the House of Commons

"Vote blue, go green," David Cameron's Conservatives had told the electorate in the run up to the May 2006 local elections as he attempted to detoxify the party's brand. However the message was undermined just weeks before the polls when it emerged that while the Tory leader cycled to work a car followed behind carrying his briefcase.

JUSTINE MILIBAND

Ed Miliband's barrister wife fails to overturn court ruling banning wind turbines in Duke of Gloucester's garden

In the final fortnight before the election, Ed Miliband’s wife Justine was caught breaking a string of road laws during her cycle while he was locked in the battle for Number 10. The top barrister was caught jumping red lights, riding the wrong way down a one-way street and cycling on the pavement.

ANDREW MITCHELL

Andrew Mitchell, the Conservative Chief Whip, was not allowed to cycle his bike out of Downing Street

Few bikes have wrecked a political career, but the one Andrew Mitchell was wheeling when confronted by the Downing Street guards is certainly one. The Chief Whip allegedly called policemen “fucking plebs” after they refused to open the gate – claims he disputed. The row cost him his Cabinet seat and millions of pounds.

VARIOUS CYCLING MPS

Lorry drivers warned to watch out for novice cyclists

Politicians were caught claiming expenses for riding their bicycles last year. Britain’s Cycling Minister, a millionaire backbench Labour MP and the shadow Transport Minister were among those who had claimed the 20p per mile allowance for pedalling to and from official meetings. Howard Cox, Founder of FairFuel UK Campaign, called the claims “absolutely scandalous”.