'Enforce it now before someone is hurt': Calls grow for cyclists breaking Oxford Street rules to be fined

The newly pedestrianised Oxford Street was meant to give shoppers more room to breathe.But five days after the scheme launched, pedestrians are still having to watch out for e-bikes, with cyclists still breaking the new rules and riding down the pedestrianised stretch.Footage captured by the Standard this week shows cyclists continuing to pedal along the busy 1km stretch, despite the ban and assurances from e-bike operators that geofencing would cut motor assistance to bikes entering the area, bringing them to a gradual stop.Cyclists who ignore Oxford Street's new restrictions face potential penalties of up to £160, according to TfL's website. But it is understood that still no-one has been fined despite scores of riders seemingly flouting the ban each day.Shoppers on Friday warned of the risk of serious injury if pedestrians are struck by speeding e-bikes as they called for further action to be taken. Damon, 55, told The Standard: “I think at the moment you've probably got some people who are cycling down here for fun. They’re testing it out. They're trying their luck. You've got kids who probably think it's funny. “But at the end of the day, if you want to control it, you'll have to fine people if they don't abide. I don’t want to see anything bad happen.”John Jones, 60, added: “There needs to be more police presence. People need to be taught a lesson. If it's a ban, it's a ban. And I'm sorry, I'm very old school. If you're not meant to do something, you don't do it. “It gets so busy around here, what if there’s a crash and someone gets hurt? No, they need to enforce it now.”TfL enforcement officer tries to stop cyclist riding down Oxford Street but to no availSuppliedWhen the Standard visited Oxford Street on Thursday, some cyclists were seen walking their bikes, while others rode through crowds, seemingly ignoring both the restrictions and enforcement officers' instructions to dismount.Read MoreIn one incident, a man riding a Forest bike rang his bell at pedestrians, seemingly demanding they move out of his way, before continuing up the street.Meanwhile, enforcement officers told The Standard they have faced hostility from cyclists when trying to offer advice and guidance. One officer said he had been pushed by a group of teenagers after asking them to get off their bikes.Groups of young men on bikes cycle through the newsly pedestrianised Oxford StreetESHe said the group had been blocking a road junction used by taxis, which prompted him to intervene. He alleged that members of the group then racially abused him, asking where he was from before telling him to “go back to where he came from”.Another enforcement officer estimated that around 70% of cyclists ignored requests to dismount, with only 30% complying.She said some riders were travelling at such speed that she feared they would crash into her if she attempted to stand in their way.Transport for London told The Standard that enforcement officers were equipped with body-worn cameras and that available evidence would be used to pursue offenders where possible.The transport authority also condemned abuse and violence towards staff, saying it was committed to protecting officers and would continue to monitor and review the scheme.As of Monday, October 26, cars, buses, taxis, private hire vehicles, pedicabs, e-bikes and e-scooters are completely banned from entering the zone from Orchard Street (near Selfridges) to Great Portland Street (just east of Oxford Circus).Damon, 55, said cyclists who don’t abide by the rules should receive a fineESBus routes have been permanently rerouted to surrounding streets such as Wigmore Street, Henrietta Place, and Cavendish Place, with new stops located roughly 200 metres from the pedestrianised zone.Meanwhile, freight, waste collection, and servicing deliveries are restricted to an overnight window between midnight and 7am.Some shoppers told The Standard that cyclists should be given time to adjust to the new rules, with one describing fines as “cruel”.Caitlin, 24, who works in retail, said a period of leniency was reasonable while people got to grips with the changes.“I think a bit of wiggle room in the first week is very reasonable. Gives them a chance to get to know the new rules, figure them out.”But building contractor Tomaz, 42, said a £160 fine was reasonable and suggested it could go even higher.“In fact,” he added, “I think it could be even higher. It should be bigger, just to stop people from using it. If it means the street will be safer, then they should increase it.Cyclists spotted riding through the pedestrianised stretch of Oxford StreetSupplied“There’s a big chance if they don’t start enforcing the fines soon then someone could get hurt.”Residents of the Marylebone Association claim the removal of vehicles on Oxford Street appears to have created fresh problems with cyclist behaviour and safety.They fear the scheme could descend into chaos without proper funding, effective monitoring and tougher enforcement, raising concerns over how the busy shopping street will be managed in the long term.They urged officials to step up enforcement and provide additional resources to make the scheme work. “Pedestrians should not have to dodge cyclists or be intimidated into moving out of their way,” said local resident Michael Bolt.“Nor should enforcement officers be left powerless to deal with dangerous behaviour. But all of this should have been considered beforehand.“Without constant vigilance, a properly funded management plan and effective, enforceable restrictions, the scheme risks becoming a free-for-all.”Cyclists spotted riding on the pavement of Oxford StreetSuppliedA TfL spokesperson said the number of cyclists using Oxford Street had fallen significantly since the road was closed to traffic, adding that officers were continuing to educate and encourage people to walk their bikes or take alternative routes.The transport authority said it had increased its enforcement presence, installed additional signage and was working alongside New West End Company officers and the police to tackle rule-breaking.A Lime spokesperson added: "We've worked closely with TfL and Westminster City Council on the changes being made to Oxford Street. From Monday 26th October, the Lime app reflects the new no-cycling rules on Oxford Street.“Our app now treats the pedestrianised zone as a no-riding zone. “If a rider enters, a warning sounds and their e-assist slows down before switching off, and they won't be able to end their trip there.“As with any new operational change, we’re monitoring closely and continuing to refine the technology to improve accuracy and ensure it is as effective as possible. We're committed to working with TfL and Westminster to support a safe and successful transition for everyone using Oxford Street.”Christina Moe Gjerde, VP Northern Europe at Voi said: “Feedback so far has been that Voi’s no ride zones are working as intended on Oxford Street, which is positive. It demonstrates what responsible operation looks like in practice and how technology can play a real role in managing shared e-bikes.“As TfL develops its plans for a pan London contract, there is an opportunity to make these kinds of standards consistent across the market. Our 10 point plan calls for transparent and accountable operations, backed by data sharing and effective monitoring, and we look forward to continuing to engage with TfL on the detail.”