Nearly one thousand cyclists have received fixed penalty notices for going through red lights since the introduction of the City of London’s Cycle Response Unit nine months ago.
Since the team was formed in July of last year, 944 fixed penalty notices have been issued which include going through red lights or putting themselves and pedestrians at risk.
Today, as part of the force’s education, engagement and enforcement work, a cycle roadshow is being held outside Mansion House. At the same time, a cycle operation at Bank Junction will take place, cracking down on anti-social behaviour and road offences. Cyclists going through red lights and endangering pedestrians and other road users will be issued with an invitation to attend the free roadshow taking place between 8am and 10am. Refusal to attend will result in a £50 fine.
Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli and Lady Mayoress Elisabeth Mainelli will attend the event and meet the various teams from City of London Police and partners who are putting on the roadshow.
People attending the roadshow can have their bike looked at by a cycle mechanic from Nip Nip, have their bike registered and marked and sit inside an HGV lorry to see the road from the view point of a lorry cab. London Fire Brigade will speak to members of the public about the dangers of e-bikes and e-scooters. There will be several police officers from our neighbourhood teams on hand to talk about any crime and policing matters.
Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli said:
“The Square Mile is a safe area – a world-leading business district and leisure destination that appeals to workers, residents, and visitors alike. It is a vibrant place for everyone to enjoy. Today’s event is a great opportunity to educate cyclists about making their way around safely, for themselves, fellow pedestrians, and road users.”
The work of the cycle team has been backed up by the courts in a recent case on the 3 April 2024. On 28 August 2023, Jamal Ampomah was observed by officers going through two red lights and when asked, refused to stop. He was safely stopped and it was found that he was riding an illegal e-bike as the motor was greater than 250 watts and had a throttle. Mr Ampomah challenged the fixed penalty notice and was found guilty of having no insurance, contravening a red light, and failing to stop for police. He was ordered to pay £1050 in fines and costs and his licence was endorsed with six points.
Since July, the Cycle Response Unit have also:
seized 192 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters;
made 80 arrests; and
given key advice and guidance to 8,663 people.
Commander Umer Khan, City of London Police, said:
“Cycling operations around big interchanges have made a significant difference in reducing anti-social behaviour by road users in the City of London. The cycle team is one of our visible units people see on the streets, however, their vital work cannot be done without a wealth of dedicated officers and key partners such as the City of London Corporations Highways and Transport for London (TfL) working together, helping keep the City streets the amongst the safest in the country.
“The majority of cyclists are safe and obey the Highway Code, however, we are educating, engaging and where necessary enforcing those road users who go through red lights, putting themselves and pedestrians at risk. I’m very grateful to the Lord and Lady Mayor of London for taking an interest in the proactive work of officers are carrying out.”
Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, James Thomson, said:
“While the Square Mile may be small, its streets are dynamic, and we need to encourage cyclists to use them safely and to respect pedestrians and other road users. This event is an innovative way to educate our communities on how different road users experience the City. We know most cyclists behave responsibly but, the City of London Police will engage with those who do not and seek to educate and enforce where necessary including issuing fixed penalty fines and seizing illegal e-bikes and e-scoters.”
The enforcement of cycling offences has not meant that the force has taken its focus from road traffic offences by drivers, which have a higher rate of causing death and serious injury on our roads. During the same period that the Cycle Unit (Since July 2023) has been installed, the City of London Police’s Road Policing Unit has:
stopped and checked 3,852 vehicles;
issued 1,678 traffic offences;
made 92 arrests; and
seized 203 vehicles for no insurance.
The City of London Police relaunched its cycling capability last summer to help combat phone snatching, as well as other offences like drug and road offences. The Cycle Response Unit highly visible, approachable and able to quickly get through areas inaccessible to vehicles.
The force supports Vision Zero, which is a part of the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy and aims to eradicate road deaths and serious injuries from our roads by 2041. As supporters of Vision Zero, the City of London Police is working to ensure no-one is killed or seriously injured travelling in London.
