There have been renewed calls to close the 'dangerous' gate from the Richmond Athletic Association to the A316, following a near collision.

Charlotte Baker, Co-chair of Richmond Streets, is calling for the closure after she witnessed a near collision between a car and cyclists near to the gate.

In July 2021 Richmond and Twickenham Friends of the Earth achieved over 500 signatures in a petition to close the exit.

There have been several other crashes as a result of the exit, including a fatal crash in March 2021 which killed a 58-year-old teacher as she cycled past the junction.

Charlotte said: "Richmond Athletics Association has a vehicle exit that cuts across TfL's off-road cycle lane on the A316.

"Given how fast and dangerous the 316 is, this is a well-used cycle lane, particularly for families accessing Pools on the Park and surrounds.

"The vehicle exit has poor visibility and drivers often emerge too quickly, without looking properly for pedestrians or cyclists."

She explained that the event that resparked her concerns involved a family of four children and their Dad having to come to a very sudden stop because a car pulled out unexpectedly, with the marshals directing it.

She added: "There have been many attempts to get the Athletic Association to close this dangerous exit and use the exit by the Pools on the Park traffic lights. They have refused every time. But what's worse - now their marshals are making the situation more dangerous, not less, by waving vehicles through into the path of pedestrians and cyclists.

"They have never given a valid reason for not closing the gate, citing vague concerns about 'traffic' - but this is not important compared to the risk to life this poses."

"This is definitely off-putting for cyclists - especially people like this father with young children, who might think twice after such an incident."

Richmond Cycling Campaign and Richmond Living Streets are writing to TfL and Richmond Council to ask for renewed action on this issue.

A TFL spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the woman who was tragically killed in a collision in 2021 at this location. 

"We understand the concerns the local community has about road danger and we're determined to tackle this as part of our commitment to Vision Zero, working closely with the borough. We monitor all roads on our network and will continue to consider what changes could be made to this location, while allowing access to the club."

Richmond Nub News has reached out to Richmond Athletics for comment but they did not respond.