I thought there was a bicycle speed limit in Richmond Park. Does the law differ by royal park?
Regular updates that I get from an organisation called Richmond Park Cyclists (RPC) tell me that the speed limits there do not apply to cyclists.
Speed limits anywhere don't apply to cyclists as the law relating to them does not apply to cyclists.
Actually speed limits
can legally apply to cyclists. They just typically don't.
A RTRA 1984 Part VI speed limit cannot apply, as each relevant section states "motor vehicle", and the vast majority of speed limits are made under this section. However, other acts or parts of the same act can apply.
Of note are RTRA 1984 §14 and §17, respectively for temporary traffic restriction, and traffic regulation on Special Roads.
RTRA 1984 §17Both of these state "traffic", not "motor vehicles". And therefore regulations, including speed limits, made under these sections can apply to cyclists, horse riders, or Usain Bolt. It's dependant on the wording of the individual regulations.
This is a Special Road. Thus, this speed limit
could legally apply to cyclists, but on checking with National Highways, it doesn't.
Whereas one example I know of where the limit does actually apply is the A87 Skye Bridge.
Again, a Special Road that allows cyclists. However, this time, the regulations simply say "vehicle".
The A87 Extension (Skye Bridge Crossing) Special Road Regulations 1995No person shall drive or cause to be driven any vehicle at a speed exceeding 40mph on that length of the special road described in paragraph (2) below or exceeding 30 mph on that length of the special road described in paragraph (3) below.
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