When The Royal Parks published a new Cycling Code of Conduct for Richmond Park, it was meant to bring calm to a park increasingly fraught with tensions. Instead, it has unleashed a fierce debate.
At the centre of the controversy: frustration over fast cyclists, often easily spotted in bright lycra, who many pedestrians blame for turning Richmond Park’s peaceful roads into an unofficial race track.
The code sets out clear rules. Pedestrians must always have right of way. Cyclists must stick to designated roads and cycle paths. Speed limits — as low as 5mph in busy areas and no more than 20mph elsewhere — must be obeyed. Racing, time trials, and personal best chasing? Strictly banned without permission.
On paper, the changes sound like exactly what locals have been asking for. But many are questioning whether rules without enforcement will make any real difference.
Speeding cyclists
Across social media, Richmond Park users have been sharing their experiences — from near-misses with fast-moving cyclists to feeling intimidated while crossing roads or walking with children. As one frustrated user put it:
“They think it’s a race track — but it’s a public park, not a velodrome.”
The debate over “lycra-clad” cyclists has been fierce. Some feel their gear signals aggressive, high-speed riding. Others argue it’s behaviour, not clothing, that matters — and that most cyclists ride respectfully. But after years of worrying incidents, many families say they feel forced to stick to quieter areas or avoid visiting altogether.
While there’s broad support for the new code’s principles, doubts remain over whether it will be enforced.
The closure of the Royal Parks Police has left Richmond Park with little visible enforcement. Without patrols or fines, some fear the code will end up being little more than words on a sign. One local resident argued:
“Without patrols, without real consequences, this code is just wallpaper.”
Suggestions from the community have poured in: installing speed bumps at key pedestrian crossings, painting clearer zebra markings, reinstating park patrols, and creating a system for community reporting of dangerous cyclists.
After the anger, a glimpse of balance?
Yet beneath the frustration, there’s a growing sense that maybe Richmond Park has taken the right approach. Instead of banning cyclists altogether, the new code focuses on behaviour: slowing speeds, banning racing, and putting pedestrians first.
If properly enforced, it could help Richmond Park remain a place where families, cyclists, dog walkers, and wildlife can coexist — without fear.
Whether that shift can happen without stronger action remains to be seen.
Have your say
Have you had an experience with cyclists — good or bad — in Richmond Park? Do you think the new code will change anything? Add a comment below or join the conversation on Putney.news Facebook.
