The charity that runs Greenwich Park is asking cyclists to slow down and be aware of other park users in a new campaign.
Royal Parks is launching the “considerate cycling” push with a new code of conduct for people on bikes, new signage and a publicity campaign over the next few months.
The code of conduct asks cyclists to respect the park environment, respect all park visitors, control their speed, comply with the Highway Code and park regulations, and to be seen and heard.
Greenwich Park is an important route for cyclists, who are allowed on most of the main wide routes as well as the path from the Ignatius Sancho cafe towards the bandstand. Cycling is banned on smaller footpaths.
The campaign was accompanied by an opinion poll of 2,000 Londoners which found that 72 per cent of people had witnessed a collision or near miss.
The same proportion said that “cycling without due care and attention” was their main concern as a pedestrian.
Some 86 per cent of people said that the 20mph speed limit that applies in most inner London boroughs – except Greenwich – should also apply to cyclists.
Royal Parks also runs Regents Park, where an 81-year-old woman was killed after being hit by a cyclist three years ago, prompting calls for changes in the law.
Darren Share, the director of parks, said: “These wonderful urban green spaces are incredibly important to so many people, but we all need to remember that they are shared spaces meant for everyone, and we must all play our part. 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.”
Pedestrians remain far more likely to be hit by cars than bicycles, official figures show. Across Great Britain, between 2019 and 2023, 12 pedestrians were killed in collisions with cycles, compared with 1,099 who died after being hit by a car. There were 690 serious injuries – compared with 19,909 from cars – and 1,287 reported slight injuries, against 46,264 caused by cars.
Greenwich Park was permanently closed to drivers – except for those visiting the park – in 2022.
Three weeks ago it was announced that the dedicated police unit covering the Royal Parks would be disbanded, with duties switching to local police teams instead.
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