Cyclists using one of London's most popular routes are set to encounter new traffic lights and the threat of immediate £50 fines, as authorities launch a safety crackdown. The move in Regent's Park follows a series of serious accidents and near misses involving pedestrians.
New Signal Crossings for Pedestrian Safety
The Royal Parks charity has confirmed that work has begun to install three new signal-controlled pedestrian crossings on the Outer Circle road in Regent's Park. This 2.7-mile (4.3km) route in Westminster is a major thoroughfare for cyclists. The crossings will be positioned at Monkey Hill Gate, Chester Gate, and Kent Passage.
Police will be authorised to issue on-the-spot fines of £50 to any cyclist caught disregarding the red signals. The initiative is designed to improve safety for the many pedestrians who share the space, particularly after concerning incidents.
A Response to Tragic Accidents
The safety push comes in the wake of specific, tragic events on the Outer Circle. In June 2022, 81-year-old Hilda Griffiths was killed after being struck by a cyclist while walking her dog. No prosecution resulted from her death.
More recently, in May 2024, another woman in her 50s was seriously injured after being hit by a cyclist on the same road, also while walking her dog. These incidents have heightened concerns, especially as bicycles are not subject to the 20mph speed limit that applies to cars on the circuit.
Balancing Safety for All Park Users
Darren Share, Director of Parks for The Royal Parks, stated it was "vital" that Regent's Park remained "safe and welcoming for everyone." He explained the new crossings were a practical step to help people move around with greater confidence and foster a culture of mutual respect.
Charity Cycling UK welcomed the safety measures but urged for a broader focus. Sarah McMonagle, the charity's Director of External Affairs, said: "While we need to continue to encourage greater respect and consideration towards each other on our roads, the focus needs to shift to reducing car incidents." She emphasised that "the greatest danger to pedestrians comes from people driving."
The installation represents a significant change for the thousands of cyclists who use the park daily, marking a clear move towards stricter enforcement of road rules in shared green spaces.
