Cyclists urged to slow down in the Royal Parks

The campaign aims to enhance safety and improve the park experience for visitors

The Royal Parks charity has launched a campaign encouraging cyclists to be more considerate and stick to the speed limits in the parks.

The Considerate Cycling campaign follows several incidents in the parks, the charity said, with the aim to enhance safety and improve the park experience for all visitors.

The campaign also comes after a recent research found almost three-quarters of pedestrians surveyed in London had witnessed or experienced a near miss, or collision, with a cyclist.

Tom Fyans, from the London Cycling Campaign, said: "While cyclists riding too fast are annoying and can undeniably be dangerous, the biggest cause of road danger to anyone inside a Royal Park remains drivers."

The campaign will run through the spring and summer months

The survey, which was conducted in February and consulted 2,005 people.

It found 72% regarded "people cycling without due care and attention" as the main concern as a pedestrian.

Also 86% of people said the 20mph vehicle speed limit in central London should also apply to bicycles, which are currently exempt.

The campaign will run through the spring and summer months.

It is backed by a new code of conduct that all cyclists entering the parks should adhere to, regardless of whether they are commuting, exercising or exploring the parks recreationally, the charity said.

New signage is also displayed across the Royal Parks in high-traffic areas, with a new cycling online hub on the charity's website.

'Behave better'

Darren Share, from The Royal Parks charity, said: "Cyclists must understand the impact their speed can have on others, which is why it is crucial that they comply with the park regulations, and we are asking people to stay within the vehicle speed limits in the parks.

"The safety of all visitors is our top priority. By encouraging cyclists to slow down, respect the park environment and be considerate of others, we hope to foster a culture of respect and a safer, more enjoyable experience for all park visitors whether on two feet or two wheels."

Tom Fyans, from the London Cycling Campaign, added: "Paying attention to your speed when cycling is sensible and shows respect to others around you.

"Everyone needs to be sensible, everyone needs to behave better, everyone should be safe - and The Royal Parks needs to keep the focus on reducing road danger for everyone."