Cyclists Ignoring Red Lights in Regent’s Park: A Growing Concern
In a recent investigation, it was revealed that more than two-thirds of cyclists are running red lights at newly installed traffic signals in Regent’s Park. This issue has sparked concern among residents and local authorities, especially after the tragic death of an elderly nurse, Hilda Griffiths, who was struck by a cyclist while crossing the road with her dog.
The Investigation
The Daily Mail conducted an investigation at one of three new red-light crossings on Regent’s Park’s Outer Circle, a 2.7-mile-long circular road in Westminster. During the study, which took place at 8am on a Wednesday, 75 cyclists were observed facing a red light. Only 25 of them stopped as required, while 50 ignored the signal, weaving through pedestrians or waiting for gaps to pass.
This particular location is where 81-year-old Hilda Griffiths was killed while crossing the road with her dog Oscar. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of pedestrians in the park.
The Problem of Speed and Recklessness
During the investigation, many cyclists, including club members dressed in full lycra, were seen traveling at dangerous speeds, seemingly exceeding the 20mph limit. These riders repeatedly violated the rules as they looped around the park. The Royal Parks introduced the three new crossings in an effort to improve pedestrian safety following concerns that the road was being used by club cyclists to compete for the fastest lap times using apps like Strava.
Cyclists and motorists face the same on-the-spot fine of £50 if caught running a red light. However, during the paper’s analysis at Kent Passage, no police were present, so no fines were issued. One motorist did ignore the red light and drove through it.
Tragic Incident and Legal Challenges
The safety of civilians in the park was brought to the forefront after former nurse Hilda Griffiths died after being struck by Brian Fitzgerald at around 29mph in the 20mph zone. Mrs. Griffiths was crossing the road from Hanover Terrace to the park at 7am on a Saturday with her dog Oscar.
Mr. Fitzgerald, a Credit Suisse director and member of the Muswell Hill Peloton cycling club, could not be prosecuted by police as there were no criminal acts that could be applied to cyclists who speed.
Personal Impact and Calls for Change
Hilda Griffiths’s son, Gerard, told the Daily Mail that cyclists are treating the circular road where his mother was hit like a “racetrack.” He emphasized that the road is not a racetrack or a playground, and expressed his frustration over how cyclists treat pedestrians.
He said: “The cyclists are treating it like a racetrack. It is not a racetrack or a playground, the playground is inside the park and that is for children. How would they feel if it was a member of their family crossing and they were being shouted at to ‘get out of the way’.”
Mr. Griffiths believes the Royal Parks have done everything they can to improve safety by introducing the traffic lights, and now the responsibility lies with public authorities to enforce fines and cyclists to change their “attitude” toward the hobby.
He added: “In any other tragedy or subject, one death is always one too many. Whereas from the cycling side of things, they use an analogy like more people get struck by lightning or killed by cows. It cheapens people’s lives.”
Similar Incidents and Community Response
Mother-of-three Paola Des Santos, 53, was also hit in the exact same spot as Mr. Griffiths by a peloton cyclist, leaving her with multiple fractures. Matthew Thornley, 45, was fined £500 and ordered to pay £2,500 in compensation after admitting to reckless riding.
Resident and mother Diana Arnuti, 42, told the Mail she feels threatened by the cyclists as they “do not respect pedestrians.” She expressed fear while carrying her baby across the road, as cyclists yell at her to move.
David Viana, 62, who frequently walks in the park, shared similar concerns, stating that cyclists repeatedly ignore red lights while going at outrageous speeds. He doubts the impact of the new crossings, saying, “I have crossed the road on a red light and cyclists speed past me.”
Ongoing Efforts and Future Steps
The Royal Parks introduced a code of conduct for cyclists in April last year, asking riders to “respect all park visitors” and “control their speed.” The charity had also asked Strava to remove the Outer Circle from its app but was refused.
A Freedom of Information request in 2025 revealed that cyclists were more likely to hit and injure pedestrians than motorists in London’s eight Royal Parks. Nine pedestrians were struck by cyclists between January 2024 and April 2025, according to The Daily Telegraph. No pedestrians were hit by cars, and only two near misses involving vehicles were reported.
The other two signal-controlled crossings will be located at Chester Gate and Monkey Hill Gate. A spokesperson for The Royal Parks said: “We are disappointed to see that many cyclists on the Outer Circle are riding at speed and are breaking the law by cycling straight through red lights. We understand that people like to cycle for exercise, but this is a park environment which is enjoyed by pedestrians as well as road users and we are trying to create a safe and inclusive environment that respects the interests of everyone using the park.”
