London Duathlon Cancelled Over Pedestrian Safety Concerns

The London Duathlon, a significant cycling and running competition, has been cancelled due to safety concerns regarding speeding cyclists potentially endangering pedestrians. This decision comes as the Royal Parks charity, responsible for managing the event's location at Richmond Park, initiates a comprehensive review of cycling events.

The cancellation was prompted by a tragic incident at Regent's Park, another Royal Parks location, where Hilda Griffiths, an 81-year-old pedestrian, lost her life after being struck by a cyclist participating in an informal time trial. This event has led to increased scrutiny of cycling activities in public spaces.

The London Duathlon, which has been held annually since 2005, typically attracts around 4,000 competitors. The event, scheduled for September 8, 2024, would have featured a challenging course comprising a 20km run, 77km bike ride, and a final 10km run. Richmond Park, the largest of London's Royal Parks covering 2,500 acres, has been the event's home for many years.

In response to safety concerns, the Royal Parks charity has taken several measures:

• Suspension of annual time trial events in Richmond Park
• Request to Strava, a popular fitness tracking app, to remove park routes
• Increased focus on enforcing the 20mph speed limit within the parks

These actions aim to discourage cyclists from using the parks as impromptu race tracks. It's worth noting that Richmond Park's road circuit, approximately 11 km long, has been a popular cycling destination since 1895 when cycling was first allowed on a trial basis.

"A number of unforeseen factors this year caused the cancellation, including an increased focus on the security and logistics of cycling events in public spaces which creates significant operational challenges."

The cancellation of the London Duathlon reflects a broader debate about the use of public spaces for sporting events and the balance between recreational activities and public safety. Richmond Park, which receives around 5.5 million visitors annually, is not only a popular spot for cyclists and runners but also home to 630 red and fallow deer, highlighting the diverse needs that must be considered in its management.

In May 2024, Sir Iain Duncan Smith proposed amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill, aiming to introduce a new criminal offense targeting cyclists who kill or injure pedestrians. However, this legislative effort was halted when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for a general election in July 2024, leading to the dissolution of Parliament and the end of the bill.

As the Royal Parks charity continues its safety review, the future of large-scale cycling events in London's parks remains uncertain. The challenge lies in balancing the popularity of these events with the need to ensure the safety of all park users, from casual visitors to wildlife.