HL Deb 14 June 1977 vol 384 cc5-6

2.43 p.m.

Lord DERWENT

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the experiment to allow cyclists to use certain footpaths in Hyde Park has interfered with pedestrians and whether this relaxation of regulations has increased the number of cyclists using footpaths which are forbidden to them.

The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk)

My Lords, there is nothing to suggest that the experimental cycling route along the Broad Walk has seriously inconvenienced pedestrians or increased illegal cycling. I propose now to make the Broad Walk a permanent cycle route, and also to allow cycling along the path on the North side of Rotten Row. I hope this will encourage cyclists to keep to the authorised routes.

Lord DERWENT

My Lords, I am obliged to the noble Baroness for her Answer. There are two further questions I should like to ask her, for information. In Hyde Park many of the signs at the beginning of paths which said "No cyclists" have, in the past few years, been destroyed. Would it not be helpful to have those signs replaced? Secondly, are there any more pedestrian footpaths which are not now open to cyclists but which it is intended should be opened?

Baroness BIRK

My Lords, so far as the signs are concerned, I am having this matter looked into urgently and, where there is need for replacement or, indeed, for repair, this will be done. On the second point, although we had a great deal of pressure from cyclists to make diagonal paths available for cycling, we are not in fact doing so because of the danger and inconvenience to pedestrians and other park users.

Lord HAILSHAM of SAINT MARYLEBONE

My Lords, while it is all very welcome that the noble Baroness has taken this course, will she keep her mind open about the rights and facilities available to cyclists in the Royal Parks and elsewhere, since they are a persecuted and perfectly harmless minority?

Baroness BIRK

My Lords, I always try to keep my mind open. On this occasion, I would entirely agree with the noble and learned Lord. There has been a tremendous increase in cycling and in the number of cyclists, and what we are trying to do in the parks is to give them an opportunity but, at the same time, to respect the convenience and the amenities of everybody else.