Cycling has become one of the more frequently discussed issues at CPUG meetings in recent years. Clissold Park is crossed by routes used by people cycling as well as by pedestrians, runners, families and other park users, so much of the discussion has centred on how paths can be shared safely and considerately.

CPUG does not set or enforce cycling rules in the park. Hackney Council owns and manages Clissold Park and is responsible for its paths, signs and management arrangements. CPUG’s role has been to raise concerns, represent different park users, discuss possible improvements with the Council and encourage considerate cycling.

Considerate cycling

Cycling became a significant area of CPUG activity in 2015, when the group raised concerns about incidents involving people cycling in the park.

CPUG discussed possible action with Hackney Council and contributed to a Council and police cycle ‘pit-stop’ event that summer. Signs encouraging considerate cycling were introduced, although concerns about cycling continued.

The surviving records show CPUG contributing to these activities, but do not provide evidence that they resulted in a measurable reduction in collisions or cycling speeds.

Slow cycling signs

The issue returned to CPUG meetings in 2017.

CPUG asked for painted signs on the paths to reinforce existing banners asking people to cycle slowly. Hackney Council subsequently considered the proposal and, by May 2018, painted slow-cycling warnings had been installed.

This provides a documented example of a practical change requested by CPUG and subsequently carried out by the Council. The records establish the installation of the markings, but not their effect on cycling behaviour.

Sharing paths

The underlying issue has remained broader than signs or cycling speeds.

Clissold Park’s paths are shared by people using the park in different ways, and discussions about cycling frequently overlap with pedestrian safety, accessibility, children and families, running and the design and maintenance of paths.

CPUG has therefore generally approached cycling as part of the wider question of how people can share a busy public park considerately and safely.

Cycling returns to the agenda

After featuring less prominently for a period, cycling again became an active issue at CPUG meetings in the 2020s.

Concerns about cycling were being raised again during 2023 and continued through 2024 and 2025. Discussions included cycling speeds, markings on paths and the relationship between people cycling and walking through the park.

In 2025 faded speed roundels were refreshed following earlier discussions about the markings. Cycling and pedestrian safety continued to be raised as an issue rather than being treated as resolved.

Cycle repairs and safer park use

CPUG combined practical cycling support with its work on considerate use of the park in 2025.

On 29 July, the group held a cycle repair and marking event with Dr Bike and the Metropolitan Police. People could have their bikes checked and marked, while CPUG volunteers shared information about considerate cycling in the park.

The event reflected the broader approach CPUG has taken to the issue: supporting cycling while also encouraging people to be aware of others sharing the park.

An active issue today

Cycling and pedestrian safety have continued to feature prominently in CPUG’s more recent discussions.

The subject illustrates the challenge of accommodating different ways of using Clissold Park. Cycling provides an important way for people to travel through and reach the park, while the same paths are heavily used by people walking, running, pushing buggies, using mobility aids and spending time with children.

There is not necessarily a single solution that meets every need. CPUG’s role is to provide a forum where concerns can be raised, different experiences heard and possible improvements discussed with Hackney Council.

A continuing part of our work

From the considerate-cycling work of 2015 and the painted warnings requested in 2017 to recent discussions about speeds, markings and pedestrian safety, cycling has become a recurring part of CPUG’s work.

Some practical changes have followed CPUG representations, while wider questions about how paths should be shared remain active.

CPUG continues to raise these issues with Hackney Council and to encourage considerate behaviour so that people cycling and other park users can share Clissold Park safely.