Pins and tacks found around Regent’s Park

• I AM not at all surprised to hear that someone has been strewing tacks and nails across the Outer Circle at Regent’s Park, (Cyclists targeted with pins and tacks during lockdown, May 7).

Nor am I surprised to hear of the corresponding “fury” of the cycle racers who have for years appropriated it as their own dedicated cycle track on which to churn out their high-speed laps, regardless of other users of the park.

There is barely an occasion on visiting the park when we don’t experience or overhear one of them hurling shocking, foul-mouthed, abuse at an innocent pedestrian often accompanied by frightened children.

Uninformed of the lycra-clad cyclists’, unofficial “priority” use of the park, it is hardly surprising that walkers might inadvertently step into the road unaware of their approach at speeds of up to 50mph, followed by disappearance into a safe distance leaving disproportionate hatred and offence hanging in the air behind them.

I very much doubt the perpetrator(s) of the tacks and nails offence are part of the so-called “Daily Mail anti-cycling brigade”, and suspect that ordinary distressed citizens may have finally decided to take matters into their own hands.

It’s time to call out the abusive cycle racers at last, and establish a proper protocol and mutual neighbourly respect for others’ health and wellbeing in the use of the park’s public spaces.

Perhaps the Royal Parks could take heed and step in to resolve the situation.

CLARE MELHUISH
Camden Road, NW1