Two police teams are joining forces to tackle "recent cycle safety issues in and around Richmond Park".

The Cycle Safety Team comprises officers from the Met. This week they have been cracking down on close passing.

The team announced at 8.30pm yesterday (Wednesday, August 19) that they would be visiting the park soon.

@MetCycleCops tweeted: "The cycle safety team have been in contact with @MPSRoyal_Parks to arrange working together with regards to recent cycle safety issues, in and around Richmond Park.

"Expect us to be visiting soon."

Royal Parks Police said it was "looking forward to working together on this project".

More cycling coverage:

Young man 'punched in head' by driver filmed shouting at cyclists

What the £2 billion 'walking and cycling revolution' means for Richmond

All cycling restrictions lifted in Richmond Park

These 11 streets in Richmond borough are getting new bike hangars

Cyclist in collision with car on Upper Richmond Road

Richmond Nub News reported yesterday how a man was shouting at and allegedly assaulting cyclists as they rode into the park via Roehampton Gate.

Earlier that day, shortly after 6am, the cycle safety team tweeted: "It's quite depressing to look at our Twitter feed first thing to be made aware of more outrageous behaviour towards cyclists including assaults and a young girl being injured in a park.

"Hopefully everyone is ok and getting the support they need. This has got to stop. Stay safe all."

What people said

This tweet was warmly met with 650 likes and more than 30 responses.

Friends of Heathfield Recreation Ground & Environs wrote: "I don't know if the stats will back up my experience. As a cyclist and car driver I am finding the car drivers around at the moment appear to think the roads should be clear so a high percentage of speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, close passing and other bad behaviour."

The Daily Peloton replied: "Once again another sweeping generalisation serving no good purpose but to inflame sentiments. One could equally say some cyclists have developed a sense of entitlement after quiet roads, and the plethora of anti-car initiatives/new-normal hyperbole from Government and councils."

legalclaret posted: "Depressing, but utterly inevitable. Parks can either be a space for people to enjoy, or they can be just another road. They can't be both."

Let us know what you think

Join the conversation on our Facebook page

Or send us a tweet and tell us your view.