FILE PHOTO: A portrait of Queen Elizabeth is displayed at a bus stop outside Westminster Abbey, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth, in London, Britain, September 9, 2022. REUTERS/John Sibley
(Reuters) - British Cycling apologised to its members on Thursday after they were heavily criticised for their recommendation that people do not use their bikes on the day of Queen Elizabeth's funeral.
Their original statement earlier this week said anyone riding their bikes on Monday do so "outside of the timings of the funeral service and associated processions".
The guidance led to furious cyclists directing their ire at British Cycling with many threatening to cancel their membership, forcing the governing body to make a U-turn and admit that they "got this one wrong".
"British Cycling sincerely apologises for the guidance issued on Tuesday afternoon relating to cycling during the State Funeral," the body said in a statement.
"We understand that the decision on whether to cycle during that time is one for individuals and clubs to take for themselves, and we're sorry that we got it wrong on this occasion.
"We greatly value the support of our members and the wider cycling community and would like to thank and apologise to all who reached out to share their concerns with us on this occasion."
Their updated guidance says "no domestic events should take place on the day of the State Funeral.
"Any clubs planning rides on the day of the State Funeral may want to consider adjusting their route or ride timings so they do not clash with those of the funeral service and associated processions," it added.
"However, they are under no obligation to do so."
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) had provided guidance saying there was "no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period".
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Davis)
