Cyclists in Regent’s Park have become targets for thieves, with a spate of attacks occurring in the park. One cyclist reported being “bike jacked” by knife-wielding robbers on mopeds. The thieves specifically target expensive bikes and equipment, ambushing cyclists for their valuable possessions. In one incident, a member of the south west London Onyx RT racing team was threatened with a blade by four men on two mopeds who stole his Wahoo GPS bike computer. These attacks have instilled fear in the cycling community and have prompted concerns about safety in the park.
The Metropolitan Police responded to the incidents, stating that they received reports of a robbery in Avenue Road NW8, near Regent’s Park. The victim was robbed of his bicycle by a group of suspects, but fortunately, he was not injured. However, the traumatic experience left him shaken. Police officers provided support to the victim and are continuing their investigations into the attacks. The prevalence of these crimes has raised awareness about the need for increased security measures to protect cyclists in the area.
Sean Epstein, the chair of Regent’s Park Cyclists, highlighted the alarming increase in attacks on cyclists in the park. He described the crimes as being carried out by professionals who use tactics such as removing bike plates and wearing balaclavas to conceal their identities. Epstein noted that the attacks follow a similar pattern, occurring early in the morning at targeted locations. A survey conducted by the cycling community revealed that 90% of cyclists felt less safe in the park since the attacks began.
Another cyclist, Eliecer Alvarez, shared his harrowing experience of being targeted by robbers while cycling in Regent’s Park. A group of men on e-bikes started following him, and when he realized he was about to be robbed, Alvarez sprinted to evade them. The men caught up to him, hitting and kicking him as he tried to escape. Despite the terrifying encounter, Alvarez managed to fend off the assailants with the help of bystanders who intervened in the situation.
Similar incidents have been reported in other parks, with professional cyclist Alexandar Richardson falling victim to an attack in Richmond Park. Richardson was confronted by four men on two motorbikes, one of whom rode into him at high speed before dragging him to the ground. Threatened with a machete, Richardson was forced to surrender his expensive bike to the perpetrators. Following the incident, one of the culprits was convicted for multiple attacks, highlighting the severity of the crimes and the need for increased vigilance among cyclists.
The series of targeted attacks on cyclists in parks like Regent’s Park and Richmond Park have underscored the importance of safety and security for cyclists. Community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and cycling organizations are working together to address the issue and implement measures to protect cyclists from such incidents. Increased awareness, cooperation among cyclists, and enhanced security protocols are crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals who enjoy cycling in public spaces. By sharing their experiences and advocating for safety measures, cyclists aim to prevent future attacks and create a more secure environment for all members of the cycling community.
Join Our Newsletter
Get the latest crime news and updates directly to your inbox.