Forum Topic

Cyclists in park

As I am still quite angry, I will word this as best I can, given that I am quite a reasonable and understanding person. I walk through Acton Park several times day, usually with my daughter. We also use the new crossing just outside the park gates on the Vale. Every single day, there are at least one or two cyclists who whizz through the park at the most ridiculous speed. This is very unsafe for other people. Today, sadly, one mother on a bike just managed to stop in time before crashing into my daughter. Didn't apologise, just muttered under her breath and away she went. Cyclists also fail to stop at the lights at the crossing outside, which infuriates me even more. If you cycle through the park, please do so with consideration for others. You need to cycle at a speed where you can stop safely without injuring others. You need to slow down when passing someone with children. The park is the one place where children should be free to roam and run around and have fun.If you want to be the next Bradley Wiggins, please practice somewhere else.

Apple Leiper ● 4508d5 Comments

There is actually a 5 mph limit that applies to vehicles in the park this includes cyclists. There is a nice bright lollipop speed sign near the playground and plenty of painted signs on the road. As you point out the park is one place where our children and dogs can roam freely but this is compromised by speeding vehicles.Personally I stand my ground when I hear a cyclists bell trying to shoo me out of it's path.

Kim Rugg ● 4507d

Same approach as me Kim, but you are assuming they all actually have a bell on their bike! (plus add skateboarders who are quickly becoming my pet hate for having a bad attitude towards pedestrians).

Joe Conneely ● 4507d

5mph is fast if you are walking...... perhaps dedicated lanes need to be installed?

Dee Cook ● 4507d

Perhaps, cyclists, of whom I am one, should be made to obey the signs, they are there to protect park users. Cyclists who are in a hurry can travel at up to 30mph on the roads around the park. If you have dedicated lanes, children can no longer roam freely as they have to be kept off them.

Kim Rugg ● 4507d

I am a cyclist that uses the park and I am a parent that needs safe spaces for my children.  I think both are possible.I commute to work through Furnival Gardens and they have a pedestrian priority policy.  This means that at quiet times (when it is dark and raining at 07:00) I can go fast but when I come into contact with a dog / buggy / toddler, knoodling couple / street drinker I have to slow down.  They use PCSOs and something called Park Police to enforce this policy.This scheme has been in place for several years and I think it is an excellent way of allowing all of us to take advantage of safe spaces.  Perhaps this is something we could try in Ealing.

Andy Magee ● 4507d