Latest news with #LondonCyclingCampaign
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
More walkers hit by cyclists than cars in royal parks
Cyclists are more likely than motorists to hit and injure pedestrians in London's parks, new data reveal. Nine pedestrians were struck by cyclists in the capital's Royal Parks, which include Hyde Park, Regent's Park and Richmond Park, between January 2024 and April 2025. There were a reported 18 similar near misses across the eight outdoor spaces. In contrast, no pedestrians were struck by cars and there were only two reported near misses involving vehicles, accident logs held by the Royal Parks show. The data was obtained after the London Cycling Campaign (LCC) responded to a parks campaign encouraging cyclists to obey 20mph speed limits by insisting: 'The biggest cause of road danger to anyone inside a Royal Park remains drivers.' The only motorised vehicle to hit and injure someone over the 16-month period was a motorbike, according to accident logs released through a Freedom of Information response. Meanwhile, nine cyclists collided with other cyclists and two cars collided with other cars. On eight occasions, cyclists rode into moving or parked cars, including one who hit a vehicle after ignoring a red light. In total, seven cars hit cyclists in incidents where the motorist appeared to be at fault. There were a further three near misses between cars and bikes. Cars also struck trees, walls and lampposts on seven occasions. And cyclists were logged as running over and killing a squirrel, and hitting two dogs and a deer. In April, the Royal Parks charity launched a 'considerate cycling' campaign after Hilda Griffiths, 81, died after being hit in Regent's Park by Brian Fitzgerald, a Credit Suisse director who admitted he was travelling at 29mph in the park's 20mph zone in a 'pace line' formation with other club cyclists. An inquest heard he could not be prosecuted because speed limits do not apply to bikes. Mrs Griffiths died from her injuries two months after the collision in 2022. Tom Fyans, the LCC chief executive, responded to the campaign by saying: 'While cyclists riding too fast are annoying and can undeniably be dangerous, the biggest cause of road danger to anyone inside a Royal Park remains drivers.' Gerard Griffiths, the son of Mrs Griffiths, who has campaigned for a review of cycling laws, said the latest data show bikes put people at greatest risk in parks. 'The attitude of some cyclists – whose need for speed and bragging rights on GPS fitness apps like Strava – needs to change,' he said, referring to YouTube films of cyclists in Regent's Park exceeding 30mph. 'It's about time that sections of the cycling community realise that riding at excessive speed is dangerous.' An LCC spokesman said 'historically' through roads in the Royal Parks have had 'significant issues' with speeding and dangerous driving. He added: 'Many of the Royal Parks have no or few motor vehicles but lots of people cycling. That is likely to explain some of the data presented here. 'Regardless of that, no one should be injured walking or crossing the road in a park, and as we've hopefully been clear on, every single park user – cyclist or driver – should behave sensibly, legally and pay close regard to others, their surroundings and their speed.' A spokesman for the Royal Parks said it welcomed considerate cyclists, adding: 'Unfortunately, we have seen too many collisions and near misses between speeding cyclists and pedestrians or wildlife, which is why we recently launched a 'considerate cycling' campaign, asking cyclists to slow down, stay within the maximum 20mph vehicle speed limit in the parks and respect others.' The parks' new code has already been mocked on social media by some cyclists, who suggest that it unfairly targets them. The Royal Parks spokesman added: 'We believe that reminding cyclists to watch their speed will improve safety in the parks for everyone and will give cyclists more time to react in the event of a possible collision.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
17-05-2025
- Telegraph
More walkers hit by cyclists than cars in royal parks
Cyclists are more likely than motorists to hit and injure pedestrians in London's parks, new data reveal. Nine pedestrians were struck by cyclists in the capital's Royal Parks, which include Hyde Park, Regent's Park and Richmond Park, between January 2024 and April 2025. There were a reported 18 similar near misses across the eight outdoor spaces. In contrast, no pedestrians were struck by cars and there were only two reported near misses involving vehicles, accident logs held by the Royal Parks show. The data was obtained after the London Cycling Campaign (LCC) responded to a parks campaign encouraging cyclists to obey 20mph speed limits by insisting: 'The biggest cause of road danger to anyone inside a Royal Park remains drivers.' The only motorised vehicle to hit and injure someone over the 16-month period was a motorbike, according to accident logs released through a Freedom of Information response. Meanwhile, nine cyclists collided with other cyclists and two cars collided with other cars. On eight occasions, cyclists rode into moving or parked cars, including one who hit a vehicle after ignoring a red light. In total, seven cars hit cyclists in incidents where the motorist appeared to be at fault. There were a further three near misses between cars and bikes. Cars also struck trees, walls and lampposts on seven occasions. And cyclists were logged as running over and killing a squirrel, and hitting two dogs and a deer. In April, the Royal Parks charity launched a 'considerate cycling' campaign after Hilda Griffiths, 81, died after being hit in Regent's Park by Brian Fitzgerald, a Credit Suisse director who admitted he was travelling at 29mph in the park's 20mph zone in a 'pace line' formation with other club cyclists. An inquest heard he could not be prosecuted because speed limits do not apply to bikes. Mrs Griffiths died from her injuries two months after the collision in 2022. Tom Fyans, the LCC chief executive, responded to the campaign by saying: 'While cyclists riding too fast are annoying and can undeniably be dangerous, the biggest cause of road danger to anyone inside a Royal Park remains drivers.' Gerard Griffiths, the son of Mrs Griffiths, who has campaigned for a review of cycling laws, said the latest data show bikes put people at greatest risk in parks. 'The attitude of some cyclists – whose need for speed and bragging rights on GPS fitness apps like Strava – needs to change,' he said, referring to YouTube films of cyclists in Regent's Park exceeding 30mph. 'It's about time that sections of the cycling community realise that riding at excessive speed is dangerous.' An LCC spokesman said 'historically' through roads in the Royal Parks have had 'significant issues' with speeding and dangerous driving. He added: 'Many of the Royal Parks have no or few motor vehicles but lots of people cycling. That is likely to explain some of the data presented here. 'Regardless of that, no one should be injured walking or crossing the road in a park, and as we've hopefully been clear on, every single park user – cyclist or driver – should behave sensibly, legally and pay close regard to others, their surroundings and their speed.' A spokesman for the Royal Parks said it welcomed considerate cyclists, adding: 'Unfortunately, we have seen too many collisions and near misses between speeding cyclists and pedestrians or wildlife, which is why we recently launched a 'considerate cycling' campaign, asking cyclists to slow down, stay within the maximum 20mph vehicle speed limit in the parks and respect others.' The parks' new code has already been mocked on social media by some cyclists, who suggest that it unfairly targets them. The Royal Parks spokesman added: 'We believe that reminding cyclists to watch their speed will improve safety in the parks for everyone and will give cyclists more time to react in the event of a possible collision.'
BBC News
25-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Cyclists urged to slow down in London's Royal Parks
The Royal Parks charity has launched a campaign encouraging cyclists to be more considerate and stick to the speed limits in the Considerate Cycling campaign follows several incidents in the parks, the charity said, with the aim to enhance safety and improve the park experience for all campaign also comes after a recent research found almost three-quarters of pedestrians surveyed in London had witnessed or experienced a near miss, or collision, with a Fyans, from the London Cycling Campaign, said: "While cyclists riding too fast are annoying and can undeniably be dangerous, the biggest cause of road danger to anyone inside a Royal Park remains drivers." The survey, which was conducted in February and consulted 2,005 found 72% regarded "people cycling without due care and attention" as the main concern as a 86% of people said the 20mph vehicle speed limit in central London should also apply to bicycles, which are currently campaign will run through the spring and summer is backed by a new code of conduct that all cyclists entering the parks should adhere to, regardless of whether they are commuting, exercising or exploring the parks recreationally, the charity said. New signage is also displayed across the Royal Parks in high-traffic areas, with a new cycling online hub on the charity's website. 'Behave better' Darren Share, from The Royal Parks charity, said: "Cyclists must understand the impact their speed can have on others, which is why it is crucial that they comply with the park regulations, and we are asking people to stay within the vehicle speed limits in the parks."The safety of all visitors is our top priority. By encouraging cyclists to slow down, respect the park environment and be considerate of others, we hope to foster a culture of respect and a safer, more enjoyable experience for all park visitors whether on two feet or two wheels."Tom Fyans, from the London Cycling Campaign, added: "Paying attention to your speed when cycling is sensible and shows respect to others around you. "Everyone needs to be sensible, everyone needs to behave better, everyone should be safe - and The Royal Parks needs to keep the focus on reducing road danger for everyone."
Miami Herald
27-03-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Top Gear's James May shares opinion that will disappoint car fans
As a co-host of car-centric TV programs like Top Gear and The Grand Tour, James May has entertained the interests of auto enthusiasts of all ages throughout his decades-long career on the small screen. His colorful personality, wide base of engineering knowledge, eager fascination, and eclectic point of view on a wide variety of cars have gained him respect throughout the years as a bonafide auto authority. Get expert insights and actionable trade alerts from veteran investing experts and hedge fund managers. Join TheStreet Pro today and get the first month FREE But even after years of burning gas and getting into all kinds of car-centric shenanigans and adventures with fellow hosts and car pundits Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond on TV, May has a soft spot for gas-free modes of transportation - even electric cars. However, his latest opinion regarding cars takes a side in a long and complicated debate that has implications on this side of the pond. In a new interview with the London Cycling Campaign's magazine, James May stated that as a longtime London resident, he found driving a "totally pointless activity" and that cars don't belong in populated towns and cities. "Obviously I've spent a lot of time over the years writing about cars and making TV about them, and I love cars, but I do think in my bones they don't really belong in towns," he said. He added that cars are better for longer distances, such as the roughly 92 miles between his neighborhood in Hammersmith, London, and the village of Wiltshire, where his pub is located. Related: These German eco-activists are fighting to stop big American trucks Despite his many years of entertaining people on car programs on TV, he noted that he doesn't feel responsible for promoting the overuse of cars, stating that driving generally requires "a great deal of care and discretion." He pointed out that it's easy for most people to "get very complacent driving cars," adding that it is easy to feel safe and protected in their metal cocoons despite that it is "easy to forget that there's a huge amount of energy inside a car, even when it's only going 20 or 30mph." "I saw a bloke the other day driving a Ferrari around town very aggressively, and I wanted to say, 'You're going to ruin cars (and especially Ferraris) for the rest of us,'" he said. "It's a massive privilege having a car and you have to take it seriously. That's why my only remaining ambition, apart from not falling off my bike again, is to get to the end of my life without running anybody over." May's opinions come as municipal and state-level investment in alternative, non-car-centric transportation, such as walkable cities, public transport, and cycling infrastructure, has come under fire on both sides of the pond. The latest domestic move saw Trump Administration DOT secretary Sean Duffy order New York state governor Kathy Hochul to cease the congestion pricing scheme in New York City, a measure added to promote car-free transportation in the region. According to Duffy's February 2025 letter, the scheme, which adds a $9 toll on drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street, is "a slap in the face to working class Americans and small business owners." "Commuters using the highway system to enter New York City have already financed the construction and improvement of these highways through the payment of gas taxes and other taxes," he said. "But now the toll program leaves drivers without any free highway alternative, and instead, takes more money from working people to pay for a transit system and not highways. It's backwards and unfair." More Automotive: The most reliable new hybrids in 2025New car buyers are in for good news about inflated pricesBMW's newest Mini Cooper is a cool car for buyers on a budget May's hometown, London, has had congestion pricing since 2003. However, he denotes that the leaders of some districts in London outside of the zone, including Kensington and Chelsea, have not been open to any spending towards improving cycling infrastructure. The former Top Gear host slammed the "sheer bloody-mindedness" of those who oppose bicycle infrastructure spending, adding that "road sectarianism" is a problem with motorists that he seeks to understand. "Quite a few people in cars seem to be somehow offended by people riding bicycles because they've paid all this money for a car and think therefore they should be rewarded for it, but often they're just not using the car very intelligently." Related: Veteran fund manager issues dire S&P 500 warning for 2025 The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
