Restricted hours will enable people to use it as a route to commute to work

Richmond Park before the outbreak. Picture: Andreas Kambanis

Cyclists will be allowed to commute through Richmond Park from next week.

The immediate families of children aged 12 and under will also be allowed to cycle with them.

From next Tuesday (June 2) cyclists will be allowed to use the park on weekdays before 10am and after 4pm.

Cycling was temporarily banned in the park (other than for under 12s and NHS workers) at the end of March to help with social distancing and prevent congestion at the park gates.

The latest changes mark a gradual reintroduction of cycling to provide access for weekday commuters, but key workers on their way to work will still be allowed to cycle through at any time.

The Royal Parks will monitor and measure the impact of the re-introduction and whether any further measures are required.

The park roads on the Eastern side of the park around Priory Lane and Broomfield Hill will be temporarily closed to adult cyclists at all times, in order to maintain safety and provide a safe area for children and families to play.

A spokesperson for the Royal Parks said it was “looking forward” to welcoming cyclists back from next week.

They said: “We’ve been working hard to find a way to allow cyclists to return to the park that supports their safety and the safety of other park visitors. This interim measure will allow us to fully assess the impact of lifting restrictions, including whether any further safety measures are needed.

“By re-opening in a limited capacity, we will be able to accurately monitor the impact of the re-introduction of cyclists on the park, and on other park visitors, informing any future decisions around opening the park more widely to cyclists.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported the temporary restrictions which have been in place during these unprecedented times, in order to enable the park to stay open for everyone who needs it. We would also like to thank all those cyclists, cycling groups and other park users who have given constructive feedback and suggestions on how to re-open the park safely.

“Richmond Park is an outstanding and well-loved place and a National Nature Reserve. We look forward to continuing discussions with our different visitor groups as we seek to improve the park experience for all our visitors and protect this beautiful and important park for all to enjoy”.

Sian Bayley - Local Democracy Reporter

May 29, 2020