Cycling groups still flocking to Richmond Park in London | Sticky Bottle

In Ireland parts of Wicklow were closed to drivers in vehicles. But perhaps we need to be careful of the experience in London where closing sections of large parks to motorists saw people on bikes and out walking flocking to those areas at the weekend

Police in London have closed off largest sections of some of the biggest parks in the city after video emerge of people flocking there at the weekend, including groups of cyclists.

Those on two wheels were not the only ones to hit Richmond Park, a very popular location for cycling, with lots of motorists and walkers also going there.

However, it was perhaps surprising to see groups of cyclists riding in the area and congregating in groups - near outlets selling food and drinks - considering the strong advice for people to stay two metres apart for fear of spreading Covid19.

The parks authority, Royal Parks, issued a statement confirming people in vehicles had now been banned from some of the parks it manages. It added cyclists were still welcome but urged them to comply with the social distancing advice.

"We are not banning cycling from any of our parks," Royal Parks said in a statement.

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"We have temporarily banned cars from Richmond, Bushy and Greenwich Parks, following police advice, because these parks saw a huge surge of traffic on Saturday and Sunday morning with large numbers of people pouring in and ignoring the government’s advice on social distancing.

"Cyclists are welcome to continue cycling in the parks but please cycle carefully and considerately and do not congregate in large groups. Social distancing is vital so please stay at least two metres apart at all times.

"We understand the importance of being able to continue cycling in our parks for both physical and mental well being, but if cyclists do not adhere to these guidelines, we will have no choice but to close the parks."

The situation at the parks appeared to have returned to normal on Monday, with many visitors posting photos on social media of deserted areas in the parks.