A recent article in the Telegraph which claimed that cyclists have been disrupting funerals by using a cut-through to “shave 30 seconds off their journey” was based on an anonymous quote supplied by the local council – despite the authority initially claiming that it did not single out any particular mode of transport.
Earlier this week, the Telegraph published a story with the headline, ‘Cyclists cut through funerals to save 30 seconds on journey’, after Weymouth Crematorium in Dorset announced that it will be reinstating a section of a wall at the rear of the site this week.
The decision to close the gap in the wall, which was created three years ago to allow temporary access for Dorset Council maintenance workers, was made following complaints that locals were using the “unofficial cut-through”, which connects to a primary school, and disrupting funerals taking place at the crematorium.
“The crematorium and surrounding grounds serve the bereaved,” Dorset Council, which manages the crematorium in Weymouth, said in a statement published last week.
“While many people using the route may be unaware of the impact and disturbance, significant concerns have been raised about the lack of privacy and reverence during services and moments of remembrance.
“This action is solely about closing an unintended access point to ensure the grounds and the bereaved are provided with privacy, dignity and sensitivity.”
Remembrance gardens at Weymouth Crematorium (credit: Dorset Council)
While the local authority’s press release refrained from mentioning any mode of transport or group of road users responsible for the disruption, the Telegraph’s take on the news swiftly discarded any trace of ambiguity.
“A crematorium wall has been reinstated after cyclists disrupted funerals by using it as a cut-through to shave 30 seconds off their journey,” the newspaper’s story began, before claiming that funerals have “frequently been interrupted by cyclists, pedestrians, and people riding scooters for the past three years, causing distress to mourners”.
The Telegraph reported that the council had acted on safety concerns, as people using the shortcut had been seen moving “against the flow” towards hearses and other funeral traffic.
The newspaper also claimed that the decision had been welcomed by one anonymous funeral director, who reportedly singled out cyclists in his criticism of those using the cut-through, saying: “It has become increasingly frustrating with the number of people, and in particular cyclists, coming towards the cortège as it enters the crematorium.”
The report – and, crucially, its focus on cyclists – was met with incredulity by Weymouth’s cycling community, many of whom were unaware of the issues surrounding the shortcut at the seaside town’s crematorium.
“It’s the first we’re hearing about a cycling issue at Weymouth crematorium,” one local campaigner told road.cc this week.
“Cycling certainly wasn’t mentioned when Dorset Council did a press release. So that part of the story appears to have originated in the Telegraph’s newsroom.
“I find it hard to believe it’s much of a cut-through for cyclists, it doesn’t really go anywhere other than the local primary school.”
Meanwhile, another Weymouth cyclist said: “It’s just reinstating a wall that was always there. It’s not a story.”
road.cc then approached Dorset Council to clarify whether, as the Telegraph story suggested, cyclists were primarily responsible for the disruption at the crematorium.
A spokesperson for the local authority, which is currently led by a coalition of Liberal Democrat and Green councillors, pointed to the original press release issued by the council, which only referred to the “many people” using the route.
“As you can see, we have not pointed the blame to any particular group,” the spokesperson told road.cc this week.
“I cannot comment on how an independent newspaper chooses to headline their articles. In the article they use most of our release.”
However, despite the council’s insistence that it did not point the finger at Weymouth’s cyclists, the local news agency responsible for researching and writing the Telegraph article told us that, in fact, the opposite was the case.
According to the Bournemouth News and Pictures Service, the information used in the story, including the quote by the anonymous funeral director accusing cyclists of riding towards funeral processions, came directly from the local authority itself.
The agency also denied that the Telegraph article fixated on people on bikes, pointing out that “in line two of our story we say that pedestrians and people on scooters were also causing disruption, so our article is not solely focused on cyclists.”
Wall outside Weymouth Crematorium, Dorset (credit: Google Streetview)
When pressed again by road.cc, Dorset Council shared a copy of the full response they supplied to the agency, which formed the basis of the Telegraph piece. The email includes the responses provided to the agency’s questions by members of the council’s bereavement services team, which include the funeral director’s alleged claim.
The team told the agency that the shortcut “was used by pedestrians, cyclists, and people on scooters”, and when asked, “how much time did the shortcut save”, they replied: “About 30 seconds”.
The news agency then asked for a “couple of anecdotes about funerals being disrupted, causing distress to mourners”.
In response, the council said: “We completely understand that most people using the shortcut don’t mean any harm or disruption. However, the crematorium grounds are a place of remembrance, reflection, and grief – not a public right of way.
“The space is dedicated to supporting families and friends as they say goodbye to loved ones, and it’s vital that this environment remains peaceful and respectful.
“Funeral services take place throughout the day, including during busy times like school drop-off and pick-up. Unfortunately, we’ve seen instances where people passing through – often unaware – have disrupted services at deeply emotional moments. These interruptions, however unintentional, can be very upsetting for mourners.”
The council then quoted “one funeral director” who they claimed “recently shared” the view covered in the Telegraph’s story that cyclists were mostly responsible for using the shortcut.
According to the council’s anonymous funeral director, the move to reinstate the wall was also described as “good news”.
“There are also safety concerns,” the council spokesperson continued. “The site is designed for funeral traffic, and people moving against the flow, especially towards hearses, can create risks for everyone involved.
“We’re simply asking for understanding and kindness. Respecting the sanctity of this space helps ensure that every family can say goodbye in peace, with the dignity and privacy they deserve.”
In the original press release issued by the council, Gill Taylor, the local authority’s cabinet member for health and housing, said: “The crematorium and surrounding grounds are primarily there to serve the bereaved. It is important for us to maintain a peaceful and respectful environment for grieving families at such a sensitive time.
“There is a designated public footpath that runs just outside the crematorium boundary via Wiltshire Avenue and Cornwall Close. This remains the most appropriate route for those travelling through the area.
“We thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us preserve a respectful space for those saying goodbye to loved ones.”