A new study by researchers at the University of Liverpool has uncovered alarming levels of abuse directed at local councillors-both online and in person-in relation to cycling and transport initiatives.
Published in the Journal of Local Government Studies, the research explores how social media shapes local government decision-making and how it compares with more traditional methods of public engagement, such as emails and face-to-face meetings.
The study surveyed 145 high-ranking local councillors and transport officers across Great Britain, with 25% responding covering a broad range of locations and political affiliations.
The findings show that while social media is widely used, traditional engagement methods remain the most influential in shaping policy decisions.
Key Findings:
According to the study, email communication was rated as the most effective form of public input, followed by face-to-face meetings.
Social media, though frequently used, was considered less influential and ranked third overall. Twitter (now X) was broadly viewed as most balanced platform whilst Facebook produced most negative input.
Abuse
Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported experiencing abuse on social media related to their roles with half reporting that they had been targeted by coordinated online campaigns.
Alarmingly, there were several cases where online harassment had escalated into real-world threats. One councillor was "doxxed," with personal details, including home address and family information, posted online. Another feared physical harm towards themselves and their family from an aggressive motorist. Two respondents even spoke of plans to stand down from their role.
Cyclist advocacy backfiring
One of the more unexpected findings was that 28% of respondents viewed interactions with pro-cycling advocates as unhelpful or even hostile. Some advocates were seen as overly aggressive, criticising policies for not going far enough-an approach that may inadvertently harm the cause they aim to promote.
Toxicity
The study sheds light on a polarised online environment where negative commentary-often amplified by anonymous accounts and echo chambers-dominates. Positive or supportive feedback was found to be rare.
Lead researcher Dr Alex Nurse, Reader in Urban Planning at the University of Liverpool, said:
"This study reveals the shocking extent of abuse directed at public officials, some of which spills into real-world intimidation. One respondent even feared for their children's safety.
"While social media is a powerful tool, it doesn't replace traditional methods when it comes to meaningful community engagement.
"Interestingly, we also found that well-meaning but overly forceful advocacy-particularly from pro-cycling campaigners-can sometimes undermine the very schemes they are trying to support.
"Although focused on cycling infrastructure, the study has broader implications for local democracies worldwide-especially those grappling with complex issues such as climate action, urban planning, housing, and public space."
The paper 'Does social media influence local elected leaders? A study of online engagement methods through the lens of cycling policymaking in the United Kingdom' (doi: 10.1080/03003930.2025.2500932 is published in the Journal of Local Government Studies.
