London cyclists face tougher penalties for running red lights under crackdown

London cyclists who run red lights could face tougher penalties as the City of London Police weigh a crackdown that would use community protection warnings and notices to levy fines above the standard £50 fixed-penalty charge.

Officials described the behaviour as dangerous, antisocial and nuisance cycling in the capital. A paper presented to the City of London Corporation's Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee this week said complaints from the public focused on cyclists running red lights at busy junctions, e-bikes being ridden dangerously, and bikes ridden on pavements and pedestrianised areas.

A BBC News report cited a study showing more than 50 per cent of London cyclists view red lights as optional. The uptick in cycling comes as Tube strikes and traffic jams push more residents onto rental bikes, with Lime and Forest bike usage rising by about 75 per cent during the latest industrial action.

At the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee meeting, Common Councillor Jacqueline Webster asked whether more could be done to promote a culture of courteousness among cyclists, while residents raised concerns about the docking and parking of dockless bikes.

Bruce McVean, the Corporation's assistant director for policy and projects, said work was ongoing with e-bike rental companies and Transport for London, adding that things are getting better but there is more work to be done.

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has launched a campaign urging more cyclists to obey the law. TfL has rolled out a campaign to raise awareness of the Highway Code for cyclists and pedestrians. A London-based survey found that only 16 per cent of respondents could correctly identify five of the rules regarding cycling, including whether cyclists should stop at zebra crossings and red lights. Data also indicated that cyclists and pedestrians are at greater risk on London roads than drivers.