HC Deb 13 February 1896 vol 37 cc221-2
MR. WOOTTON ISAACSON (Tower Hamlets, Stepney)

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works, whether he will give instructions to extend the time for cycling in Hyde Park from 12 o'clock until 2 o'clock"?

MR. C. P. B. M'LAREN (Leicester, Bosworth)

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether, having regard to the limited period of the day, from 10 to 12, during which cyclists are allowed to ride in Hyde Park, and to the many hundreds of ladies who use it for that purpose, he would set apart for their enjoyment during those hours, to the exclusion of horses and carriages, the road on the north of the Serpentine, or some other convenient avenue; and whether he will inquire as to the practicability of extending the period when the park is open to cyclists beyond 12 o'clock?

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine's

The hours during which cyclists are allowed to ride in Hyde Park are not from 10 to 12, but from the opening of the park until 12. The time originally granted was until 10; this was afterwards extended until 12. I regret I do not at present see my way to advise an extension of time. The privilege has hitherto been enjoyed during that portion of the year when the traffic is the lightest, and I should prefer to see how the rule works in the summer months, when the carriage traffic is at its heaviest. Though I do not see my way to setting apart the road north of the Serpentine, or any road, to one particular description of riders or vehicles, I venture to think that much relief would be afforded if people who ride and drive would show more consideration to the cyclists by not using the road as a promenade during cycling hours, and especially if they would give directions to their servants not to use that road when driving their horses for exercise or when returning with empty carnages. Vans and heavy traffic to residences and buildings in the park have been ordered not to enter this road during these hours.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

I should like to ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will take steps to secure that the cyclists shall show such an amount of consideration as is involved in the observance of the rule of the road, which is entirely disregarded by them? ["Hear, hear!"]

MR. AKERS DOUGLAS

The privilege cannot be carried on without due consideration on both sides.