Royal Parks row as walkers claim cyclists are using car ban to race through Richmond Park
A row has erupted in London's Royal Parks as walkers claim cyclists are using a new ban on cars to race at high speeds.
Hundreds of cyclists flock to Richmond Park, particularly at the weekend as they prepare to roll out a permanent ban on through traffic in many of London’s green spaces.
But rows have broken out on social media between cyclists and other park users, claiming there are near misses and that it's a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt.
One walker, Gary Matharu, complained on Twitter about “cyclists racing as if there life depends on it”, while another complained that “every road and path on Richmond Park is dangerous due to the high number of idiots who think they’re elite athletes . . . and then try to break some imaginary cycling land speed record regardless of conditions or pedestrians”.
A London Taxi driver said: “I've lived near Richmond Park for most of my life. It's now been basically taken over by sports cyclists training who regard anyone else on the road in there as an unwelcome irritant.”
Even cyclists have expressed some embarrassment at the behaviour of some of their fellow riders.
Richmond Park user Tom Bradley said: “Sadly, aggression and carelessness are not confined to car drivers. I'm a cyclist and I've witnessed some appalling road behaviour from other cyclists particularly in Richmond park. The roads are for all, more education and mutual respect are badly needed.”
But many park users have welcomed moves to limit cars and other vehicles using them as a cut through.
Ian Beable, the winner of the Ironman Switzerland 2017, wrote on twitter: “The traffic jams in Richmond Park recently have been insane. Richmond Park could be the one place in London the roads are for cyclists only!”
Royal Parks says it will “eliminate cycling in non-permitted areas and reduce conflicts between cyclists and walkers” by promoting the priority of pedestrian users and working with Parks Police to reinforce signage and target “negative behaviours” by cyclists.
Simon Richards, Park Manager of Richmond Park, told The Telegraph: “The majority of road users are respectful, however there are a small minority who don’t respect the rules. The Metropolitan Police enforce park regulations.”
The Royal Parks charity says its proposed ban on motorists being able to drive through them will increase safety for all park users, reduce the impact of vehicle-based traffic and "reduce conflict between different users”.
