- By SimonM on 1 day ago
Following the closure of Richmond Park to cycling, one of eight Royal Parks in London, our local group, the Richmond Cycling Campaign, has written to The Royal Parks regarding the situation.
The LCC alongside our borough groups in Kingston, Merton and Wandsworth, bordering the park, and Regent’s Park Cyclists, CPRE London, London Living Streets and Parks for People have all co-signed the letter. Richmond Park Cyclists, the group representing (sports) cyclists who use the park have also been liaising with The Royal Parks and cover the issue in their newsletter – raising broadly similar concerns to the letter.
The Royal Parks took the decision last week to close the park due to some people failing to socially distance during the current Covid-19 pandemic. This follows moves they already took including closing all cafes in all parks and closing the outer London parks, including Richmond, to motor traffic.
The letter poins out that it has been a “joy to see so many families and so many with adapted cycles cycling, as well as walking and scooting, enjoying the freedom of a car-free park”, highlights how important the park is for exercise (the park remains open for cycling for under 12s and keyworkers who show a badge). And suggests ways forward including utulising local volunteers to reopen the park for safe and responsible cycling.
The full letter is readable here.