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Cyclists have hit out at plans to build speed bumps on a popular route in one of London’s most iconic parks.

Royal Parks revealed plans to build speed bumps on a stretch of path next to Park Lane which is popular with cyclists, tourists and families.

The plans unveiled by the Royal Parks in a bid to reduce cycling speeds to 10mph on Broad Walk have sparked a row among bikers and pedestrians.

Some branded the move “unnecessary" while others hailed the new measures as a major safety improvement.

Brook Sigal, 54, who cycles through the park in her leisure time, questioned whether the introduction of speed bumps was “fair” on “sensible cyclists."

The designer told the Standard: “Do they want to make the whole of London walk?

“I don’t know how fast I go but it’s not hard to look round and see what’s going on around you. If you don’t, you’re an idiot.

“It’s a bit much to bring in speed bumps in the park, maybe on the road. It’s unnecessary.”

Pedestrian Mustafa Taguri, 68, said he believed the introduction of more cycle paths would have less impact on the park.

He added: “I don’t think it is that necessary. I think more cycle paths would work better, we don’t need speed bumps, it will ruin the nice flat surface and the view into the pond.”

The plans come after new statistics showed 1,200 cyclists use cycle paths through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park during rush hour.

One cyclist was clocked riding at 32mph – faster than the speed limit for cars in built up areas.

Families have backed the work, due to begin on March 13, amid fears for the safety of children in the park.

Wafa Saud, 37, who often visits the area with her four-year-old son, said she was pleased measures were being taken to slow down “dangerous” cyclists.

She said: “It does worry me when children are around that there will be an accident.

“People do go to fast and it is scary. An accident could happen so easily.”

New signage will be introduced along with the speed bumps in a bid to alert cyclists to the increased presence of pedestrians, a spokesman for Royal Parks said.

Simon Richards, who leads The Royal Parks’ Cycling Board, said: “Everyone has to recognise that when they come into a park they’re entering a very different environment; for everyone’s sake we want to encourage cyclists to adjust their behaviour when moving from busy roads to peaceful paths, and similarly pedestrians need to be aware there are a whole variety of other users they have to watch out for.

“Our parks welcome a range of visitors, all of whom come to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. While we welcome cyclists and offer 68 miles of cycle routes, pathways and horse tracks, it is important we do all we can to ensure everyone can enjoy our parks in safety.”