Safety & Park Regulations
Safe Cycling in Richmond Park
Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve. We want you to enjoy cycling in the park, and to make sure you have a safe and trouble-free visit.
Before you are allowed to take your hire bike out into the park we will check your bike with you to ensure that it is in good working order. In particular we will check tyre pressures, brakes and steering. Once complete you will be shown a copy of the safety guidance and made aware of the Park’s regulations before being asked to sign for the bike hire and to acknowledge all of the above.
To help us, please follow the safety advice below, use the Royal Park's Code of Conduct and abide by the Parks Regulations (see below).
Cycling Safely in the Park
- Wear a helmet
- Keep to the speed limits
- Ride on designated paths, trails and roads only
- Secure luggage and bags correctly
- Don't leave the park
- Let pedestrians on trails know you are there with a bell or a polite greeting
- Watch out for vehicles, even when the park is closed to other traffic
- Be wary of free-roaming deer, other wildlife and dogs
- Wear bright clothing
- Use legal front and rear lights to make sure other park users can see you if the light is poor
Breakdowns
If you have a breakdown or puncture you can call us on 07050 209249 and we will come and collect you or repair the bike for you in order to continue. Please do not call 999 in this instance!
Accidents and Emergencies
- Emergency Services dial 999
- Royal Parks Constabulary 0300 123 1212 (non emergency)
- Help Phones for Park Team at Roehampton, Richmond and Kingston Gates as well as Holly Lodge and Isabella Plantation
Please also let us know directly by calling 07050 209249
Royal Park's Pathway Code of Conduct
Below is an extract of the Code of conduct for cyclists, roller skaters, roller bladers, skate boarders and visitors using other foot-propelled devices in designated areas – see http://www.royalparks.org.uk/docs/The_Royal_Parks_Cycling_Policy_July_2008.pdf for full details.
Be considerate – Pedestrians have priority over all other users of pathways and shared pathways, even in areas designated and marked for other purposes. You are asked to use these pathways considerately. Other users may not be aware of you, please remember this when passing.
Be safe – We recommend you wear British Standard approved protective equipment and ask that you adhere to all pathway and road markings. Our pathways are not suitable for fast travel, so please keep to a sensible speed. If you are in a hurry, you may wish to use another route.
Be seen & heard – Some park visitors may have a visual or hearing impairment, using a bell and or wearing high visibility clothing will help others to be aware of your presence.
Be polite – Thank other park visitors who allow you to over take or pass them.
Parks Regulations
The Royal Parks have special rules. A fully copy (called the Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces Regulations) is posted at each gate, but some of the main points for cyclists to note are:
- speed limits on the park roads apply to pedal cycles as well as other vehicles
- you must have lights on your bike if you are cycling after dark
- you can only cycle on the roads and shared pedestrian and cycle trails - not over the grass or in the woods
A full copy of the Parks Regulations can be obtained from Holly Lodge, online at http://www.royalparks.org.uk/regulations.cfm or by calling The Royal Parks on 020 8948 3209.