The Royal Parks are reportedly planning to erect new signs warning cyclists against 'speeding' and 'reckless' use of the roads.

Cyclists could be advised to keep to the 20mph limit that applies to cars and motorbikes in Richmond and Bushy parks, according to a report in the Telegraph.

However, cycling campaigners were quick to point out that speed limits only apply to motorised vehicles and cannot be used to prosecute those on bicycles.

Cycling campaigner, Elizabeth Anderson (@velobetty), said: "It's legal and safe to ride a bicycle faster than 20mph and it's important that the Royal Parks and the Metropolitan Police don't start making up their own laws."

The Metropolitan Police has taken a number of cyclists to court in the past for travelling at over 20mph, however it later emerged that these court cases were themselves, effectively, illegal.

While it may not be possible to prosecute for speeding, the Royal Parks insist that it is a crime for cyclists to ride dangerously.

It said cyclists were asked to observe the motor vehicle speed limit for the 'park, road or path in question'.

It added that it was a criminal offence under Royal Park regulations to 'intentionally or recklessly interfere with the safety, comfort or convenience of other visitors'.

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According to the Metropolitan Police, whose officers enforce the regulations, this includes 'those cycling dangerously or recklessly at speed'.

Thousands of cyclists flock to Richmond Park every week, including a number of clubs and elite athletes, who use its roads for exercise and training.

At the same time, a growing number of families and children visit the parks to cycle for recreation, particularly at weekends when car access is restricted.

There has been conflict between cyclists, drivers, who fail to abide by the 20mph limit for vehicles, and pedestrians. A number of organisations are supporting a total ban on cars.

The Telegraph reported a number of complaints from pedestrians complaining about the behaviour of cyclists. One claimed 'every road and path on Richmond Park is dangerous due to the high number of idiots who think they're elite athletes'.

The Royal Parks confirmed it is planning new warning signs for cyclists.

It said: "The Royal Parks is currently reviewing and updating its regulatory signage to ensure cycling and other behavioural messages are communicated clearly to visitors.

"We are reviewing our signage, and we are currently planning how we can revise it, to deliver clearer and more visible information. Enforcement of park regulations is a matter for the Metropolitan Police Service."

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The Met Police said: "We acknowledge that while most visitors who cycle in the park are law-abiding, a small minority are not and their behaviour is an issue of concern for the wider public as well as other cyclists.

"We work closely with The Royal Parks as we enforce safe cycling across the parks, so all visitors and wildlife can enjoy the parks safely. To this end, we recommend that cyclists use the signposted limits as a guide for appropriate speeds."

Tim Lennon, the borough co-ordinator for the Richmond Cycling Campaign, said cars rather than bicycles were the problem in Richmond Park.

"It's a shame the Telegraph choose to repeat a variety of accusations which are observably not true, without noting how much more welcoming the park actually is at weekends, when we see more families with children cycling, walking and skating on park roads which are usually clogged with through traffic.

"Are there hundreds of cyclists there at the weekend? Yes there are, but cycling numbers are still dwarfed by the number of cars."