Cyclists slapped with speeding fines along major parks as 'strong concerns' prompt action

The move follows growing anger from local residents who warned fast-moving cyclists have been putting walkers, families and dog owners at risk.

Officers were seen last week using handheld speed guns on a well-used route through the common, a path shared by pedestrians and cyclists alike.

The enforcement marks a sharp change in approach after years of complaints about dangerous riding.

While cyclists on UK roads are not normally subject to speed limits, which apply to motor vehicles, Wandsworth can enforce the 12mph cap because of a long-standing by-law covering its parks and open spaces.

Tensions between cyclists and walkers have been rising at Tooting Bec Common, with dog owners among the most vocal critics.

Many warned that cyclists regularly travel far too quickly on narrow paths, often passing close to pedestrians.

One rider, who has cycled through the common for 15 years, was among those fined.

He was clocked at 16mph while riding his Brompton folding bike and handed a £50 penalty notice, according to London Centric.

He said officers told him the action was driven by complaints from dog walkers.

"They said they'd had complaints from people saying cyclists were going too quickly," he told The Telegraph. "I hope I'm a considerate cyclist."

However, the council later withdrew the fine after the rider challenged it.

He argued that his bike does not have a speedometer, meaning he had no realistic way of knowing he was exceeding the limit.

Wandsworth Council accepted the argument and cancelled the penalty.

Campaign group Friends of Tooting Common has also pressed the council to act, publishing an open letter earlier this month warning of "strong concerns" about speeding cyclists.

The group singled out e-bike users in particular, claiming they are often the worst offenders across the region.

In the letter, the volunteers warned of a "continuing, and increasing, strong likelihood of a serious accident, and possibly a fatality" unless tougher enforcement is introduced.

They have called for a permanent increase in Parks Police patrols to deter reckless cycling.

Their concerns reflect a wider debate across London as cycling levels continue to rise sharply.

Transport for London figures show that around 1.5 million bike journeys are now made in the capital every day, a 43 per cent increase compared with 2019.

This surge has increased pressure on parks and shared paths, where walkers and cyclists are often forced to compete for space.

Last year, the Royal Parks charity even urged ministers to consider extending 20mph speed limits to cyclists, following a series of serious incidents.

These included the death of an 81-year-old who was struck by a cyclist in Regent's Park in 2022.

A spokesperson for Wandsworth Council said: "Too many park users have told us they feel unsafe around speeding delivery riders, illegally modified e-bikes and dangerous or inconsiderate cyclists."

The council said its Parks Police would focus on education first, with fines used only as a last resort in cases of dangerous speeding or cycling in banned areas.

Wandsworth is not alone. Hampstead Heath enforces an even stricter 8mph limit for cyclists, while Finsbury Park also operates a 12mph cap.