• Playwright donates his life's work to Oxford's Bodleian

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I am a daily cyclist through Regents Park, Fitzrovia & Bloomsbury. In my opinion a significant number of cyclists ignore traffic lights, "No Entry" signs and designated "No Cycling" paths. I think this abuse of the law is wrong and often dangerous. I for one would like to see the law more strictly adhered to.

- Alan, London, London

Speeding pedestrians are a danger to cyclists.

- Tim, London

"The Highway Code is clear about cycling on footpaths: it is illegal. If a car crosses a red traffic light at 7.30am on an otherwise clear road should that be dismissed as a non-offence too? I think not."

You've obviously never waited at a traffic light on a completely empty road! If you've ever driven in America you may have seen that some traffic lights convert go give way signs (by flashing amber I think). This is clearly a brilliant idea and would benefit driving at off-peak times in London massively.

As for cyclists, I'd have to say that pedestrians that don't look are a bigger danger to cyclists than vice versa. If I come off my bike on Oxford Street because you step out in front of me without looking who do you think will come off worse? You can't have it both ways.

- Tim, London

Speeding cyclists are a danger to pedestrians.

- Peter Seekings-Foster, Muildenhall, Suffolk

We live close to Hyde Park, which is the only safe place for my son to use his bike. When he was learning to ride it (rather late, due to dyspraxia-like problems) he used the designated routes. Unfortunately, while still not fully proficient at cycling, he kept coming up against aggressive skate boarders. One adult was so angry that a cyclist was also using the same path that he charged at my son, then when he swerved and fell off, yelled and swore at him and threatened him with violence. A Parks police officer stood by and watched. On other occasions skateboarding gangs jeered and threatened him, and been aggressive when my son slowed down and carefully cycled well away from some toddlers. I have found that skateboarders and skaters just shout at pedestrians to get out of the way.
There is no way pedestrians, cyclists and other wheeled individuals should be on the same pathways.

- V St Clair, London UK

I want pedestrians' rights to be respected. Cyclists abuse traffic signals, don't indicate their intentions at junctions and, confused as to their identity ("am I a pedestrian or a road user?") assume walkways to be their domain too. The Highway Code is clear about cycling on footpaths: it is illegal. If a car crosses a red traffic light at 7.30am on an otherwise clear road should that be dismissed as a non-offence too? I think not. As a pedestrian who has been inconvenienced on too many occasions by thoughtless cyclists - and nearly cut down by them on a public footpath more than once - don't expect any sympathy from me. And, Mr Bennett, your writings show you to be sympathetic to the cases of disadvantaged minorities; we pedestrians claim that position, largely because of mindless road-users who are unable or unwilling to cope with the regulation of route ways of whatever kind. I'd like to walk into traffic at will, objecting to single-occupant vehicles who clog-up the roads and make it difficult for me to cross. But I know what would happen: I'm a vulnerable pedestrian, bullied by a careless majority of road users, whether of the two- or four-wheeled variety, more powerful than I in terms of physical power or political clout. I would relish a forum where photographs and videos of car- and cycle-abuse could be posted and where individuals could be identified. I could begin with pictures of the local PCSOs who ride their bikes on the pavements around here.

- Brian, London, UK

Someone with access to the data may be able to confirm it, but I understood that buses were the greatest single cause of accidents (to pedestrians and cyclists).
So, Alan doesn't want to be prosecuted for something illegal so he wants a change in the law. Not a good enough reason in my view. Parks should be left for what they were intended for - pedestrians. Roads are for vehicles - and that includes bicycles.

- Nora, London, UK

The comments I have read indicate that no - one whether pedestrian, cyclist or motoris - appears to have any respect for any other type of person enjoying our parks. I regularly cycle in Bushy Park, Richmond Park and on Wimbledon Common. There are clear paths that cyclists may use and importantly lots of open space and paths that they can NOT use as well as signs stating that pedestrians must have priority. As a father of 2 small children their ability to stroll safely is as important as my ability to enjoy my bike.

I am also lucky enough to work near Regents Park and am afraid that in a city centre park like this without building dedicated lanes (which may be the answer, although no doubt everyone would then argue about the cost) there is not space for bikes on any path except the Broad Walk. Even then the Broad Walk may be wide but it was designed to be strolled along not hurtled along at high speed, and so the change in use changes the design of a peaceful spot in central London. Proper speed checks on the Inner/Outer Circle and a cycle lane there would appear to be a better short term option.

In the longer term if we are to encourage cycling in inner London (which I think we should) then all will have to accept that some re-landscaping of some parts of much loved parks may be requried to accomodate this together with a little more respect for each other by all.

- Malcolm, Teddington,

I totally agree with everything Linda Smith said. Livingstone allowed cyclists to permanently use the Broadwalk in Kensington Gardens after a 6 month "trial" a few years ago and now they are an anti-social nuisance. Even on the Broadwalk where they are allowed to ride some use it as a racetrack taking advantage of the long slope down to Kensington Road. I walk through Kensington Gardens / Hyde Park to work every day. It used to be a haven from the pavement hogging traffic light jumping ignoramuses who ride bicycles. Not any more. Every day hundreds of cyclists ignore the No Cycling signs on all the other paths in Hyde Park and threaten the safety of adults out walking, children playing and dogs off the leash. I appeal to the Royal Parks not to allow this situation to continue and not to do the same in Regents Park. The Evening Standard has been supporting a Safer Cycling campaign for some time. Why does the ES not support a campaign to protect pedestrians like myself from arrogant law breaking cyclists who seem to think that they can go everywhere a pedestrian goes? For those who think cyclists and pedestrians can co-exist safely and peacefully I have news for you - THEY DON'T. It seems to me that just because middle class trendies like to ride a bike cyclists are now considered above the law and are being treated like sacred cows by the authorities.

- Saudade Pembroke, London W11

Why is it radical to try to get cars to keep to 30mph? Day or night on the Outer Circle in Regents Park the majority of cars are speeding. If you try to drive at 30 you are tailgated and overtaken. These are the real danger.

- Dan, London, UK

At the moment there is a trial in Regents Park allowing cyclists to make use of the Broadwalk - but the MAJORITY of cyclists totally ignore the rules and cycle on all footpaths in the Park. They don't take any notice of speed limits and are a danger to children and the elderly. If politely asked not to cycle on unauthorised paths they are in the main abusive and aggressive - and do their best to intimidate people. The Parks authorities make no attempt to stop this anti-social behaviour, and the Parks Police seem to have a policy of allowing this behaviour to continue - probably because it is the aim of the Royal Parks management to introduce cycling all over the Parks. Cycling in the Parks should not be allowed - parks are for those who like to enjoy the scenery/wildlife/entertainment in peace without having to dodge the "traffic".

- Linda Smith, London

Philip,

I'm a cyclist and I do pay road tax for my car, which only does about 1000 miles a year, yes 1000. I use my bike for at least 2500 miles a year. I pay the same road tax as "old" moaners like yourself, but I probably do less miles in a year than you do in a month, and therefore a lot less damage to the road. At the end of the day pedestrians moan about road users & bike users, cyclists moan about pedestrians and motorists, and motorists moan about cyclists and pedestrians. Why we cannot just be more aware of each other, and get on more on the road/pavement rather than all this bitching is beyond me. Learn to use the road/pavement with others, or get a cab/bus/train and stop moaning.

- Dom, London

I fully agree with Reg. The number of people bellyaching on about cyclists below every article on this website is astounding.

There is never a mention of the number of pedestrian casualties caused by reckless, irresponsible driving in London. The number of motorists who speed, drive whilst applying make up, texting or making a phone call etc etc is appalling, yet all we see here are pedestrians going on about cyclists! Cyclists are not the biggest threat, get some perspective!

- Mcw, London

It is essential that the helmetted thugs on mountain bikes are controlled first, before allowing any changes to cycling in parks. They also make pavements a no-go area too.

- Martin H Watson, Teddington

I think it would be rather nice to maintain the paths for pedestrians myself. I quite likje being able to wander along not worrying if I am allowed to walk where I am walking, and not having to worry about bicycles.

- Stephen, London

The trouble is that the 74 year olds cycling gently are the exception to the testosterone fueled, pavement hogging, red light jumping many!

- Bobby Doughty, London UK

Cylists shouldn't have any cycle lanes. They don't pay any road-tax nor are they tested or regulated. They all need to grow-up and start obeying the law!

- Philip, London, England

Ginny, I think you need to get a grip. And maybe some glasses - it might help if you looked where you were going - and then maybe you wouldn't 'take you life into your hands' - as Reg has brilliantly pointed out - no-one actually is killed by cyclists avoiding juggernaughts.

- Jo, London, UK

"He said cyclists should be able to take the pedestrian paths for safety reasons as cars often speed on the road cicrling the park"

Thus making the footpaths dangerous for pedestrians, but OK for thoughless, selfish cyclists.

- N Grinsell, London

Nice to have the great man on our side!

I'm surprised that Greenwich Park is listed amongst the parks supposedly permitting greater cyclist usage. What I hear from Greenwich cyclists suggests the opposite. Also Richmond Park has a generally ignored 20mph speed limit on its roads (which does apply to cycles) which makes meaningful training in the park technically illegal.

- Dave Kahn, Twickenham, UK

My friend was fined for illegally driving his car in a bus lane. I would like to make a plea for car lanes to be extended into bus lanes. I would like to criticise the roads restrictions on motorists as "monstrous and inequitable"

"…a friend of mine who was cycling/ driving across the empty park/ bus lane recently at 7.30am was stopped and fined. It's monstrous and inequitable," he said.

"It would be great to see it remain open on a permanent basis, but more of the park/ roads could be opened up. It would be much quicker and safer for cyclists/ motorists if we could cut across.

"We understand walkers/ busses need their peace and quiet so we're not asking for all the paths/ bus lanes to be made accessible to cyclists/ motorists, but the Royal Parks/ roads should be open to all users."

"There's plenty of room for everybody on the Broad Walk/ roads. I’m a very gentle cyclist/ motorist anyway so speed limits don't apply”

- Ben, London, W1

Cyclists have their own tracks - they are called pavements - or am I confused? It is certainly the case in Earls Court.

- Lorraine, London

Poor, poor cyclists! their lives are in danger from cars?- what about us forgotten pedestrians?- I already take my life in my hands at traffic lights; just when I think its safe to cross on a red light a cyclist inevitably comes hurtling through. Dear Alan Bennet, I'm sure, travels at a lovely sedate pace, but please, please leave the parks free of these boy racers.

- Ginny, london

Agreed - the treatment of cyclists is totally inequitable in backward UK.

A cyclist will be screamed at by a motorist for veering onto an empty pavement to avoid being crushed by a juggernaut, while no motorist or pedestrian would ever criticise a van driver for drinking a coffee, talking on the mobile and steering with his elbow. They know they'd get thumped, or that he would use the van as a weapon on them, but they rely on the innate civilisation of cyclists and scream at them because they are frustrated with their own lives.

I have seen a cyclist assaulted for having one wheel overlapping the border of a pedestrian junction, with both his feet on the ground. At the same time, an HGV scaffolding truck was fully occupying the cyclist box, and almost parallel with the cyclist. The pedestrian assailant did nothing - typically cowardly selective citizenship from the "guardians of road etiquette".

One the one hand, thousands of people are dying and being dismembered each year through aggressive inner city driving. But people choose to make speeches about the dangers of a car getting scratched, or that once a cyclist ALMOST hit them, with no-one able to provide even anecdotal evidence of a single serious injury ever resulting from a cyclist on pedestrian collision? (Come on, there must be at least three or four cases over the last ten years - get the AA research team on the case so you can demonise cyclists some more).

It's the lunatic asylum.

- Reg, London

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