Each month, we email a bulletin to everyone who has signed up on this site. Below is the edition that we sent in September 2022. If you like it, please sign up on our Get Involved section – you will be showing your support for our work and you will receive our free monthly bulletins a month before they appear here.
IN THIS ISSUE… +++ Contribute to the updated Code of Conduct +++ We film motorist threatening cyclist +++ U-turning Uber driver who caused accident finally fined +++ Monthly event attracts a record 100+ riders +++ Very limited access for cycling during London Duathlon +++ Still time to sign up for market research on the park +++
WAIT FOR IT…
Before we begin this bulletin, a brief note on the next one. The long-delayed announcement about the end of the park’s traffic trials, which many think are likely to be made permanent, is expected sometime this month – and as soon as The Royal Parks’ board of trustees makes its decision known, you can expect a bonus RPC bulletin winging its way to your inbox. Then, as usual, you’ll get a newsletter at the start of next month. For now, though, let’s get on with this one!
CODE SHARING
At the end of this email you will find the draft of an update to our Code of Conduct which, as long-time subscribers and supporters will know, promotes safe, courteous cycling in the park. Like the first edition, published in January last year, there is a credit-card sized version for distribution in bike shops and local businesses, and the full text which will appear on our website.
Here are the key amendments:
New advice on riding in the centre of the lane and riding two abreast is in line with the recent changes to the Highway Code.
Guidance on speed now reflects the agreement between The Royal Parks and the parks’ police that the limits in the park regulations do not apply to cyclists, while also acknowledging that speed can be a contributory factor in prosecutions of inconsiderate cycling.
Riding on the left-hand side of the road now includes a focus on the restricted stretches of road in the park. This comes after some instances of cyclists riding on the right on Broomfield Hill, thinking this would not be an issue as it is closed to traffic, only to find that they were in the path of oncoming emergency vehicles trying to get to incidents.
The group size of six has changed from a rule to a recommendation.
There is now a clearer explanation on the importance of avoiding tailgating motorists.
Please take a look and let us know what you think – the final version will incorporate suggestions, amendments and additions provided by our subscribers.
DU COURSE
Best of luck to everyone taking part in the London Duathlon in Richmond Park on Sunday. Please note that the entire roadway, including the Quietway, will be closed to cyclists (except for those competing) and other road users, as all of it is being used for the event’s three courses.
Unlike last year, you won’t be able to cycle on the Tamsin Trail either. But the park’s management told us they do not mind children and less confident cyclists riding on the tarmac path, which runs from Roehampton Gate to Richmond Gate and between Ham Cross and Kingston Gate, although others should not treat it as an alternative route during the duathlon as the pathway is suited to lower speeds and has smaller capacity than the outer road.
So unless you’re going out for a very gentle pootle or a leisurely ride with your kids, and you don’t mind keeping to the tarmac paths, please avoid the park completely and use alternative routes.
FINE TIME
The longest-running story in this bulletin has finally come to an end. Thirteen months after his actions left a cyclist with a broken scapula, a fractured shoulder and a written-off bike, the driver who ignored the no entry signs at the top of Broomfield Hill before trying to U-turn at the bottom has been fined £214 and given five points on his licence.
Uber driver Mr Usman, 28, of Harrow, west London, was expected to plead not guilty but changed his mind when he finally appeared at Wimbledon magistrates on August 23, having previously managed to get the hearing adjourned twice.
Mr Usman says he had been following directions on his sat nav. The cyclist could not see him trying to U-turn on the blind corner and smashed into his car.
We’re pleased for the victim that the case has concluded. Without going into the details of his impact statement, it is clear that his injuries affected his ability to carry out his normal duties as a father. And the case showed the frightening consequences of a foolish driver treating the park as merely a convenient shortcut – which is one of the reasons why we want to see through traffic removed altogether.
BERK IN A MERC
On Tuesday last week at approximately 4.15pm, we stumbled across a confrontation between a driver of a black Mercedes and a couple of cyclists on the southbound lane of Queen’s Road, approaching Ham Cross.
After we arrived on the scene, we were told the driver had parked in the way of the first cyclist, who was riding on his own, to take a selfie with a deer. The cyclist shouted at him, and the driver gave chase then swerved in front of him. The second cyclist saw what was happening and stopped to intervene.
The driver’s overreaction was apparently so spectacular that a dad walking with his son crossed the road to try to diffuse the situation, and a park groundsman driving past in his truck alerted officers. When we arrived, the driver’s female partner was trying to stop him threatening the second cyclist, while the first was on the phone to the police. Luckily, our bike cam captured this scene, and we have passed the footage on to Sgt Sturgess from the park’s police unit.
The cyclist who called the police seemed dubious that reporting the incident would have any effect, although he didn’t initially realise the confrontation was being filmed. But even if you find yourself in a similar situation and you aren’t able to take photos or video evidence, we would strongly urge you to speak to the police. Confrontations recorded in the park’s official statistics will give a clearer picture of the dangers that people who choose to cycle in the park sometimes face.
JUST A COUPLE OF QUICK QUESTIONS…
An invite to take part in the Royal Parks Panel’s first survey arrived in our inbox last week. There were only two questions. The first was: “What type of activities do you use The Royal Parks for? Or if you don’t use The Royal Parks please tell us why?” And the second: “What type of activities do you use The Royal Parks for? Or if you don’t use The Royal Parks please tell us why?” We anticipate the next survey will be more in-depth!
TRP said there will be further opportunities to take part in polls, focus groups and interviews, and you can still sign up here. The more subscribers taking part, the better, as it will make the people who run the park more aware of cyclists’ perspectives.
TRP GETS CRACKING
A member of the public has asked us to pass on her thanks to “all you lovely kind cyclists that stopped to help” her little grandson after he came off on one of the cracks in the tarmac on Broomfield Hill on Tuesday. We also passed on the lady’s thanks to the park’s police, who gave her grandson a lift in one of their buggies. Thankfully, the little fella only suffered scrapes and bruises.
Prior to this accident, we had contacted the park’s management about the cracks, which have probably been caused by the recent dry, hot weather. Then, on Tuesday, while out taking a photo of the damage, we spoke to one of The Royal Parks’ maintenance team who was marking the road for repair. She indicated that they were aiming to get the fixes completed before the duathlon on Sunday – and yesterday the stretch from Robin Hood Gate to Broomfield Hill was closed for repairs at 8am, with the work scheduled for completion by 4pm. Thanks to TRP for getting the work done.
CHAIN DRIVEN
Finally, congratulations to Chain Gang Cyclists, who had their biggest turnout yet for their monthly event in Richmond Park, which attracted more than 100 riders on Saturday. As you can see in these photos of the Bank Holiday Bonanza, CGC is inclusive, diverse and has introduced dozens of cyclists to the enjoyment of group riding. Take a look at Strava for the other rides they’ve got lined up.
SEE YOU NEXT MONTH...
As ever, thank you for allowing us to pop into your inbox, and let us know what you think about anything related to cycling in Richmond Park – we reply personally to every email you send us. If you enjoyed this bulletin, please share it with your cycling friends – and if they like what they read, encourage them to sign up to our mailing list too. The more subscribers we have, the bigger our voice. And don’t forget to have a look at the draft of the new Code of Conduct below⬇︎, and give us your suggestions!
All the best,
Richmond Park Cyclists
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CODE OF CONDUCT UPDATE – DRAFT
Credit card version:
CROSS CONSENSUS: Pedestrians and horse riders should have priority, so let them cross the road when you see them waiting and it is safe to do so. Stop for deer. NOT SO FAST: Please observe the signposted guidance on speed which is 20mph on the outer roadway and 10mph on the Quietway through the middle of the park MIND THE GAP: Leave a space of at least 1.5m as you overtake. If you are passing a vulnerable road user, try to leave a bigger gap. RISKY BUSINESS: Look behind you before moving left or right. If you need to stop, get off the road. And when a car is in front of you, keep a distance of at least two bike lengths. SIX APPEAL: For safety, we recommend the number of cyclists in a group should be restricted to six. Ride no more than two abreast.
These are our basic guidelines for riding on the park’s roads. For the complete Code, see richmondparkcyclists.org.uk/codeofconduct
Long version:
Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve, and cycling in it is a privilege as well as a pleasure. For many years, the park has been London’s No1 free cycling resource - and the diversity of its cyclists is growing.
Since the temporary ban on motor vehicles during the first lockdown and the subsequent restrictions on through traffic, many more people have been visiting the park by bike. Some are vulnerable road users, such as children, and the elderly. Many of them will have less confidence on a bike than those who typically cycle in the park. By riding kindly and courteously, you will help to ensure it is a welcoming environment for every type of cyclist and other visitors.
This code is self-policing. If you see a cyclist falling short of it, politely ask them to adjust their behaviour in future. And if you are an experienced cyclist, remember that your good behaviour sets an example for others to follow.
Please obey the Highway Code and respect the police team who look after the park and its visitors. If another road user extends you a courtesy, thank them – they’ll be more likely to do so again. And try not to react discourteously when provoked by other people’s rude or dangerous behaviour – it could cause the incident to escalate and compromise your safety.
Whether young or old, novice or expert, here are our guidelines for safe, enjoyable cycling.
STOPPING AND SLOWING
Pedestrians have priority everywhere. This policy, which is set out in the park’s transport principles, differs from the Highway Code. It means you should stop when safe to do so if you see someone waiting to cross. At the raised crossings, you should stop for pedestrians. But slow down smoothly and avoid braking hard if there are other cyclists or vehicles close behind you.
Consider reducing your speed when passing cafes and car parks. It will give you more time to react to the greater number of people, dogs and traffic moving around.
Be aware of your closing speed. Slow down if necessary when approaching slower-moving road users from behind.
Look out for horse riders. Provide a polite verbal warning if approaching from behind, slow down when cycling near to them, such as on the Quietway, and stop to let them cross the road if you see them waiting.
Deer are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Learn to read their behaviour – are they grazing or do they want to cross? Be ready to stop if you see them at the side of the road or approaching it. The same applies to other wild animals, such as geese, who sometimes wander into the road.
If you need to stop riding, please get off the road. Staying on it creates a hazard.
SPEED
The signposted speed advice on the outer roadway is 20mph and it is your guide as a cyclist. Sensible speeds create a more welcoming environment for everyone.
The signposted speed advice on the Quietway is 10mph and it is also your guide as a cyclist. Please pay special attention and give way to children, walkers and learner cyclists who frequent this mostly car-free area which runs through the centre of the park between Ham Cross and Sheen Cross.
Never race or time trial. Doing so creates a shorter time for you to react to hazards, less time for others to see you and can frighten the unwary and vulnerable. If you want a less disrupted ride, consider visiting the park when it is quieter.
CARE AND COURTESY
Always ride in the left-hand lane, as you would on any other road, even in parts of the park which are closed to motor traffic. Riding on the right in restricted areas creates a hazard for oncoming cyclists, and drivers attending incidents and on park business.
Ride in the centre of your lane when approaching junctions or narrow sections of the road.
Read the road ahead to anticipate hazards.
Look behind you before moving left or right.
Show care when passing. Watch your speed, always overtake on the right (except when filtering in slow-moving traffic) and leave a minimum space of 1.5 metres.
Try to leave more room when passing pedestrians, or less experienced cyclists – they can be startled or intimidated even at a safe distance.
Obey the solid white lines. They are on stretches of road where overtaking is dangerous. Crossing them is outlawed except to pass a stationary road user or anyone moving at 10mph or less.
Motorists can be frightened too – not because they are concerned you might injure them, but because they fear they could harm you. So don’t tailgate (a distance of two bike lengths from the car in front of you is ideal) and filter carefully and respectfully through traffic so as not to startle. Even if you believe overtaking to be safe, do not overtake if it could alarm the person you are overtaking or oncoming road users.
If you need to cough, sneeze or blow, check to your side and behind. Use a handkerchief or your hand/sleeve to avoid passing on germs.
Use lights at night and take care not to dazzle oncoming road users.
GROUPS AND PAIRS
We recommend restricting group size to six, depending on traffic conditions and the abilities of the individuals to ride compactly and safely in a group. Riding in large groups requires additional skills and makes overtaking challenging – both for you and others trying to pass you.
Riding two abreast is permitted and safe, particularly in groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders. Do not ride more than two abreast.
Consider riding single file. When riding in groups, be aware of the needs of other road users. Think about opting to ride single file if traffic builds up behind you, particularly when going uphill, and you believe it is safe for that traffic to overtake. If you are not certain that your group can overtake others and leave a 1.5 metre gap, ride in single file.
Keep it down. Try to use verbal warnings of hazards only when necessary, or use common hand signals. Shouting instructions to others in your group can cause alarm to other road users – especially if they mistakenly think you are addressing them.