Cyclists in Regent’s Park face new challenges as traffic lights now regulate their movement along the popular Outer Circle route. The Royal Parks has installed three signal-controlled pedestrian crossings at Monkey Hill Gate, Chester Gate, and Kent Passage, creating fully regulated traffic-light junctions throughout the park.
These new installations require cyclists to stop at red signals, just like other vehicles, with enforcement beginning in January 2026.
Cyclists must now obey traffic signals at new pedestrian crossings, with enforcement set to begin January 2026.
The changes come after serious safety concerns, including a fatal collision in 2022 and another serious incident in 2024. A survey revealed that 72% of London pedestrians had witnessed or experienced near misses or collisions with cyclists in the area.
With approximately 62,000 riders, runners, and walkers using the 2.7-mile Outer Circle daily, safety has become a priority for park authorities.
Cyclists who ignore the new traffic signals face £50 on-the-spot fines issued by park enforcement officers. These penalties align with the legal requirement for all road users, including cyclists, to obey traffic signals.
The crossings were specifically designed to break up high-speed cycling laps that had created hazards for pedestrians trying to cross the Outer Circle.
The popular fitness app Strava refused requests to remove the Outer Circle as a segment, which many believe encourages competitive cycling in the shared space.
An interesting disparity exists in speed regulations within the park, as cars must adhere to a 20mph limit while bicycles currently face no speed restrictions. The introduction of traffic light crossings followed an 81-year-old woman’s death in a collision with a cyclist in June 2022, which resulted in no prosecution.
To address this gap, the Royal Parks launched a “considerate cycling” campaign in April 2025, urging cyclists to reduce their speed and respect traffic signals.
The project, funded by the Royal Parks charity and Crown Estate Paving Commission, was developed through consultation with Transport for London, local councils, and community groups.
These new crossings give pedestrians a protected green phase to cross safely, reducing potential conflicts with road users.
The traffic light installation is expected to be completed by Spring 2026. Park officials hope these practical improvements will foster a culture of mutual respect and help all park users move through Regent’s Park with greater confidence and safety.
The initiative is part of a broader Movement Strategy developed by The Royal Parks following extensive public consultations about improving safety in park spaces.
