Cyclists riding timed laps around Regent’s Park in London will encounter new traffic lights designed to boost pedestrian safety. The Royal Parks charity said work has started to add three new signalised crossings to the Outer Circle road, following several crashes, including one that was fatal, and near-misses involving cyclists and pedestrians, says ITV.com.
The 2.7-mile circular road is one of the capital’s most popular routes for cyclists in training. A 20mph speed limit is in place for motorised vehicles, but that does not apply to bikes.
Pedestrian Hilda Griffiths, 81, died after being struck by a cyclist while crossing the road with her dog in June 2022. The cyclist was not prosecuted.
Another dog walker in her 50s was seriously injured when she was hit by a cyclist at the same location in May 2024.
The Royal Parks, which manages eight open spaces in London including Regent’s Park, introduced a code of conduct for cyclists in April last year which featured instructions for them to “respect all park visitors” and “control their speed”.
The charity has previously asked American cycling app Strava to remove the Outer Circle as a segment from its system.
Darren Share, director of parks for The Royal Parks, said it is “vital” that Regent’s Park is “safe and welcoming for everyone”.
He went on: “The installation of new, signalised pedestrian crossings on the Outer Circle is an important step in improving safety and helping people move around the park with greater confidence. The Royal Parks are shared spaces, and we all have a role to play.
“By encouraging road users to slow down, respect speed limits and be considerate of others, alongside making practical improvements like these crossings, we hope to foster a culture of mutual respect and create a safer, more enjoyable experience for all visitors.”
Sarah McMonagle, director of external affairs at charity Cycling UK, said additional road safety measures are welcome but “we should always remember that the greatest danger to pedestrians comes from people driving”.
“Our parks and green spaces are for everyone to enjoy safely, regardless of whether we’re riding a bike or on foot,” she said. “While we need to continue to encourage greater respect and consideration towards each other on our roads, the focus needs to shift to reducing car incidents. That’s where we can have the greatest impact in terms of increasing safety.”
The Crown Estate Paving Commission, which is responsible for managing roads in the area around Regent’s Park, engaged with “local authorities, residents, community groups, members of the public and Transport for London” ahead of the crossings work starting, The Royal Parks said.
The new crossings will be at Monkey Hill Gate, Chester Gate and Kent Passage.
Cyclists caught jumping red traffic lights by police face a £50 on the spot fine.
(Picture: Mapillary)
