Richmond Cycling Campaign (RCC) has criticised cycling arrangements at this year's Centre Stage event, saying poor signage and a lack of temporary cycle parking made it difficult for people travelling to the festival by bike.

The campaign group, which is the local branch of the London Cycling Campaign, said it had raised similar concerns with Richmond Council before and after last year's event but was disappointed to see "no improvement" this year.

In a statement, RCC said cyclists approaching the event from Richmond Bridge were forced into heavy traffic because of a lane closure despite the Council encouraging visitors to travel by bike.

"Those arriving over Richmond Bridge were squeezed by a lane closure into heavy motor traffic, exceptionally hazardous for family groups cycling together,: the group explained.

It also claimed cyclists arriving from Richmond Bridge and Ham encountered 'Road Closed Except Buses' signs at the top of Hill Street, despite the Council intending for cyclists to continue through the road closure.

According to RCC, marshals had been instructed to allow cyclists through when it was safe, but there was little signage explaining this.

The campaign also criticised the lack of temporary cycle parking at the event.

It said the Council rejected its request for additional bike parking, arguing the new secure cycle hub at Richmond Station would provide enough capacity.

However, RCC said some cyclists may struggle to use the hub because it requires bikes to be manoeuvred up and down stairs, while others may be unaware it exists due to a lack of signage.

The group also claimed many existing cycle stands in the town centre were occupied by dockless Forest bikes or were inaccessible because of large crowds.

Responding to the criticism, Richmond Council said Centre Stage had been "a fantastic day" that attracted thousands of visitors to Richmond town centre.

A Council spokesperson told Nub News: "Centre Stage was a fantastic day for Richmond, bringing thousands of people into the town centre to enjoy music, arts and culture while supporting our local businesses.

"We welcome feedback from Richmond Cycling Campaign and will carefully consider the points they have raised as part of our ongoing review of this year's event.

"Cyclists were always intended to be able to travel through the road closure. We agreed this several months in advance and signage was updated ahead of the event.

"While we acknowledge not every agreed change was implemented on the day, signage was in place to direct cyclists through the closure, and marshals were also instructed to allow cyclists through whenever it was safe to do so.

"We've raised the remaining signage issues directly with our traffic management contractor.

"Richmond town centre has around 650 cycle parking spaces, including the new secure cycle hub with CCTV.

"These were referred to on Centre Stage maps, promoted online and marshals were on hand to direct anyone who needed assistance.

"Capacity remained available throughout the day, reflecting the significant investment the Council has made to improve cycle parking provision.

"As with any major town centre event, we have to balance the needs of cyclists, pedestrians, businesses and accessibility while meeting the safety requirements needed to manage large crowds.

"Forest removed around 60 to 70 dockless bikes before event set-up and the road closures began, although bikes can still be returned to the area by users throughout the day. The lane narrowing formed part of those safety measures.

"As with every Centre Stage, we've been proactively inviting feedback from residents, visitors and businesses throughout the event and afterwards.

"We'll consider the points raised by Richmond Cycling Campaign alongside all the feedback we receive as part of that review."

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