Cyclists could be forced to follow 20mph speed limits in London after huge safety concerns were raised by residents prompting authorities to act.
The change in regulation comes as the charity which manages London’s Royal Parks has written to the new Labour Government demanding urgent action.
The Royal Parks is responsible for Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Greenwich Park and many more. It raised concerns about cyclists causing serious injuries, some even fatal, due to high speeds throughout the green spaces.
One shocking incident involved a pensioner who was hit by a speeding cyclist in Regent’s Park in June 2022 and sadly passed away due to their injuries.
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Cyclists would have to meet 20mph speed limits if the new rules come through
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According to official reports, the cyclist was travelling 29mph in a 20mph zone due to cyclists not needing to follow speed limits.
A Royal Parks spokesperson told GB News: “We can confirm that we have very recently written to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to request a change to the regulations which govern The Royal Parks (The Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Regulations 1997).
“We have asked that the regulations are amended to ensure the current maximum speed limit of 20mph in the parks is applicable to cyclists as well as to motor vehicles.”
The charity noted that it recognises the challenges associated with the request, most notably on enforcement, but it believed it would help ensure clarity for all road users and improve safety within the parks for both cyclists and other park users.
Under UK law and the Highway Code speed limits are designed for motor vehicles. Rule 124 of the Highway Code sets limits for various vehicles, which must be complied with, but bicycles are not included.
While cyclists are exempt from speeding charges, in extreme cases they could be charged with careless cycling which has a maximum fine of £1,000 or dangerous cycling which could see riders slapped with a fine of £2,500.
Slater and Gordon Lawyers explained that cyclists who breach the speed limit may not be prosecuted for a speeding offence but they can, however, be prosecuted for “cycling furiously” or “wanton and furious cycling”.
“Wanton and furious cycling” is the closest offence to dangerous driving that a cyclist can be charged with, although it can “only ever be used when the circumstances of a cycling accident involve someone suffering serious injury or death as a direct result of the cyclist’s actions,” experts stated.
The charity added: “We have a responsibility to everyone who uses the parks to ensure we are acting in a way that protects and promotes their safety.”
The legislation called for would have an impact on all Royal Parks which share a road with vehicles and pedestrians forcing cyclists to adhere to speed limits.
Earlier this year, after the tragic death of a dog walker who was hit by a cyclist, Royal Parks reinstated its policy which imposed speed limits on cyclists in the parks. This would help maintain a “safe environment” for visitors of all ages, and protect road users, as well as wildlife, the park detailed.
Park visitors were warned they must comply with the Park Regulations and by-laws must not interfere with the safety, comfort and convenience of others. “All road users must use the roads to the prevailing conditions, and with due care for themselves and for others. E-scooters are not permitted in the parks,” the safety policy read.
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20mph speed limits would impact riders in all Royal parks
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In response to the proposed new rules for cyclists, Britons took to social media to share their views on the idea with one person sharing that the number of bikes in parks is “infuriating”.
They shared: “It’s infuriating, cyclists have cycle tracks in Richmond Park, but they want to use the ruddy paths which are for pedestrians! Some of us are fragile and vulnerable although we don’t look it and having cyclists lurking up behind you is deeply worrying.”
Another person detailed: “When is someone going to get get to grips with these cyclists who feel the law never has to apply to them! It is also about time there were proper laws made for cyclists that they abide by or be prosecuted.”
