The Royal Parks – London - Road Closures

[Philip Benstead]

The Royal Parks – London - Road Closures

Central London cyclists will have noted that some of the Royal Parks have closed their road to all vehicles, this in preparation for Diamond Jubilee and late these will be extended for the Olympics 2012.

Representation has been made by CTC London but much of the problem is out of the hands of the Royal Parks.

THE FUTURE

In the future it is hope any disruption to routes used by cyclists caused by projects undertaken in the Royal Parks that may involve the closure of roads/paths can be ameliorated by preventive consultation between the Royal Parks and CTC London/LCC local group.

DETAILS OF ROYAL PARKS ROAD CLOSURES

http://www.royalparks.org.uk/home/news/the-royal-parks-news/park-road-closures-for-the-diamond-jubilee


CONDITION IN THE ROYAL PARKS FOR CYCLING

CTC London and LCC Local Groups work with the Royal Parks to improve condition for both commuting and leisure cycling.  Many of the Royal Parks staff is cyclists and many of them have been trained by me.

It is recognized by the cyclist groups that many of the paths used by cyclist are under capacity that we work with the Royal Parks to find solutions but the Royal Parks have to work in an environment where some influential residents’ oppose cycling provision.


Hyde Park - http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park

From Alexandra Gate to Hyde Park Corner, along Rotten Row; from Hyde Park Corner along Serpentine Road; from Victoria Gate along North Carriage Drive towards Speakers' Corner and along the Broad Walk.

Kensington Gardens - http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens

The Broad Walk and Palace Walk and Mount Walk.

The Green Park - http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green-park

Constitution Hill. - http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green-park

St James's Park - http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/st-jamess-park

North Horse Ride parallel to The Mall - http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/st-jamess-park

Richmond Park - http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park

The Thames Cycle Route across the Park from Ham Gate to Roehampton Gate; the Tamsin Trail, a 12 kilometre popular leisure path around the perimeter of the Park (shared by walkers and cyclists). Maps are available from the Park office.

Bushy Park - http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/bushy-park

All roads linking Hampton Hill, Hampton Court and Hampton Wick.

Greenwich Park - http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green-park

Blackheath Avenue, The Avenue and Great Cross Avenue.

It is hope in the 2013 the Bowers Avenue /Great Cross Avenue will be open up to cycling.

The Regent's Park - http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/the-regents-park

The Broad Walk - northern section only between Chester Road and Outer Circle.

Cycle racks can be found in 15 locations across The Regent's Park.

FUTURE PLANS FOR CYCLING IN THE ROYAL PARKS

http://www.royalparks.org.uk/about-us/cycling-in-the-royal-parks/future-plans-for-cycling-in-the-royal-parks


CYCLISTS CONDUCT IN THE ROYAL PARKS

http://www.royalparks.org.uk/about/cycling.cfm

As an almost daily use of the Royal Parks in central London and occasional user elsewhere I am disappointed by the behaviours of my fellow cyclists.

It seems to me that many of these fast cyclists (both male and female) are pseudo racers; I have come across this type on the canal they will not slow down.  I would welcome my fellow responsidable cyclist to show consideration to fellow park users.

THE PATHWAY CODE OF CONDUCT: CONSIDERATE CYCLING

http://www.royalparks.org.uk/about-us/cycling-in-the-royal-parks/the-pathway-code-of-conduct-considerate-cycling

Hyde Park
When I am in hurry going east to west against the flow in Hyde Park I use the South Carriage Drive this prevent me from dealing with large number of cyclist riding along Rotten Row.  When I am not in hurry I go along Rotten Row at none rush hour times some time with a friend. I am disappointed when some cyclist coming in opposite direction ride directly at me, Rotten Row is not design for fast cycling I suggest if you want ride fast go along South Carriage Drive.

Broad Walk

Yes I know many walkers go into the cycle lane in the very wide broad walk but please slow down and try not to intimidate the walkers.

Kensington Gardens

Many cyclist ride too fast along the west to east route when there are many walkers about this is poor public relations for cyclists.

Any comments would be welcomed

Philip Benstead
CTC London Representative
Royal Parks Cycling Development Group
Royal Parks Cycling Programme Group

philipbenstead1@gmail.com


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