IN THIS ISSUE… +++ Update on TRP cycling policy review and code of conduct +++ Possibility of ANPR on park roads +++ Cyclists falling on slippery roundabouts +++ Take part in Richmond council’s transport consultation +++ Another chance to get your bike on national database for free +++
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ENCOURAGING SIGNS
After almost nine months, our discussions with The Royal Parks regarding its revised cycling policy and a new code of conduct for cyclists are progressing well.
We are pleased that TRP’s Director of Parks, Darren Share, and his colleagues appear close to completing a draft – prepared with input from ourselves, Regent’s Park Cyclists and the London Cycling Campaign – to submit to their board of trustees.
Together with our own Safer Riding Guide, we are confident that the wording adopted by TRP will reflect the Highway Code and encourage respectful behavioural change among the minority of cyclists who are inclined to ride inconsiderately.
CAMERA FOCUS
The future of policing in the park is still unclear following Sgt Pete Sturgess’s announcement in February that it is “99 percent certain” his unit will be dissolved by the end of the year to help plug the Met’s £450million funding gap.
The Safer Park’s Police Panel, which we sit on, wrote to senior police last month seeking assurances that whatever replaces the park’s Operational Command Unit will continue to focus on patrolling the roads, general speed checks on motorists and other vital police work. Superintendent Owen Renowden from The Royal Parks OCU responded, assuring the panel that the points raised in the letter are “key considerations in any future decisions” without explaining what might replace his unit.
But the uncertainty has opened up the possibility that some of the unit’s traffic work could be replaced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras. Trade vehicles and other unauthorised vehicles as well as speeding motorists could all be caught if ANPR is intelligently applied.
Of course, if through traffic was banned – which remains our key policy – there would be no need for any kind of road traffic cameras. But in the meantime, with looming budget cuts to the police, technology could provide a solution to the perennial problem of catching errant motorists who disturb the enjoyment of the park for many people.
ON THE SLIDE
Take care on the park’s roundabouts. A number of cyclists have been sliding off on them, even though the roads have been swept.
On Friday, March 7, we received a report of seven riders who fell over during a 20-minute period at Richmond Gate roundabout – one of whom broke their thumb. The roads were swept on Wednesday 17 – but on the following Saturday, there were a number of cyclists who hit the deck on Richmond, Kingston and Roehampton roundabouts. Similar incidents during wintertime have been reported in previous editions of this bulletin.
Park manager Paul Richards says that the London Fire Brigade applied some material to Roehampton Gate as a precaution as there was a report of an oil spill but there was “nothing evident”.
There have been no further falls that we know of, and the weather has been warmer and drier lately which usually means the roads become less slippery. Nevertheless, the park management is monitoring the situation, so please let us know if you encounter any treacherous conditions.
PIN POINTS
Richmond council wants to hear your opinions on transport conditions in the borough – and that includes the park.
Head over to its interactive map and simply drop a pin on any area you would like to comment on. You can read the points that have already been raised about the park’s roadway by selecting the relevant spots, which are colour-coded to denote positive as well as negative views. So feel free to say nice things if you want!
The council says the feedback will shape its plan to deliver long-term sustainable and inclusive transport improvements in the borough over the next 15 years. You can sign up for updates, and you have until next month to offer feedback.
HEAD TO THE HOOD
The police’s next bike marking event is taking place on Saturday, April 12 – and for the first time, the location will be Robin Hood Gate.
As always, you won’t have to pay a penny to put your pride and joy on the National Cycle Database. Registering your bicycle is a deterrent to thieves – and if it is nicked, you stand a much better chance of getting it back.
The police have yet to confirm the time, so we will post it on our social media once we know. Our thanks once again to Sgt Sturgess and Met officers for organising this useful service.
CRASH UPDATE
Finally, a quick update on the three-car crash that took place on Queen’s Road shortly before our March bulletin came out.
One of the drivers involved reportedly had a medical emergency and lost consciousness, hitting the two other vehicles. They were travelling at around 20mph.
Despite the dramatic scenes as the fire brigade cut the roof off the car, there were no life-changing or threatening injuries.
We posted this info on our social media a few days after the last mailout. The police have now confirmed the crash is still under investigation, so there is no further information for the time being. We’ll let you know when we have more details.
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.
All the best,
Richmond Park Cyclists