Since 2012 and the advent of the annual Prudential RideLondon-Surrey which follows the Olympic route, cycling safety has become a key issue for Mole Valley police.
Detective Inspector Richard Hamlin, who heads up the community team based at the Mole Valley District Council offices in Dorking, says, “The popularity of cycling in Surrey has tripled since 2012. The Olympic ride took in Box Hill – the ladies did three laps, the men eight circuits – so it’s become an iconic point in most people’s rides. We have thousands of riders congregating at Box Hill on a weekend. In June and July it’s heaving, like a packed beach in the summer – and until you see it you can’t comprehend the number of people.”
Unfortunately some cyclists display anti-social behaviour enroute and locals are not happy. Hamlin, a keen cyclist himself, explains, "Often problems are caused by 'pack mentality'; we have cyclists four abreast hogging the road, abusing motorists, damaging cars, littering and urinating in public view. The tolerance level of the community is at saturation point and we have had three incidences of tacks being thrown on the road – in Newdigate and twice on Box Hill – catastrophic for those riding at speed.”
To try to reduce tensions between cyclists, the community and other road users, Hamlin is planning a cycle safety workshop at Box Hill. He says, “We want to encourage cycling, but we are concerned about safety and, through a workshop, we hope to convey the message about safe and respectful cycling."
If you are concerned about anti-social cycling, email Detective Inspector Hamlin at molevalley@surrey.police.uk
