Former ‘Top Gear’ Host Says Cars Don’t Belong In Cities

There’s no place for cars in major cities, according to former Top Gear host James May.

In an interview with the London Cycling Campaign, May admitted he “hates” driving in the UK capital, saying it was a “totally pointless activity”.

“And [driving in the city] spoils cars for me. It makes them boring and annoying.

“Obviously I’ve spent a lot of time over the years writing about cars and making TV about them – and I love cars – but I do think in my bones they don’t really belong in towns,” he said.

With Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, May co-hosted the BBC’s Top Gear and Amazon’s The Grand Tour – two of the most popular car-themed TV shows ever made. The Grand Tour aired its final show with the trio in late 2024.

Despite his career as a motoring journalist and presenter, May confessed his love for bicycles – saying it was “a joy to ride a bicycle”.

“It’s free at the point of use, there’s no admin, there’s something very child-like about it — it makes me feel about eight years old.”

While owning nine cars at the moment, along with seven motorcycles, a boat, and an aeroplane, May said he also had about 25 bicycles.

“I love bicycles as things as well as riding them. They’re relatively inexpensive, you don’t need elaborate tools to maintain them, and getting a bicycle to work really well is incredibly satisfying.”