The Police have done themselves no favours with this really, have they?
a) Cycling at 5mph is actually very difficult so a 5mph limit is unjustifiably low – arguably it creates more danger, not less
b) I ride through Hyde Park regularly and I’ve never seen a sign – so clearly the limit’s not well-enough advertised
c) I also run through there regularly – c 9mph – so it’s a nonsense to suggest 5mph on a bike is a danger…
d) Enforcing 5mph will just lead to more riders on the main roads round the Park which are pretty dangerous – the traffic is very fast and aggressive around there.
e) There’d be less risk all round if they’d designed the cycle lanes away from the walking areas – they’re all shared use spaces mainly used by tourists who’re enjoying being in the park rather than looking out for cyclists – so time spent educating pedestrians would likely have a bigger impact on overall safety…
You do wonder just how cycling has increased so much in recent years given the sheer amount of insane resistance from so many quarters, including the Police… You can only imagine how many people would ride if it was perceived as socially acceptable and safe… and free from moronic harrassment like this