A “significant” increase in cyclists riding up Box Hill has prompted Surrey Police to deploy extra patrols on the climb, which is part of the London 2012 Olympic road race route.

Residents have called the additional cyclists, riding two or three abreast or in the middle of the road, a “nuisance”, with complaints of riders who are aggressive towards drivers trying to overtake, according to the BBC.

Zig Zag Road will be a key battleground in next year’s Olympic road race, with the peloton set to tackle the 2.5km climb nine times before the flat run-in to London, where world champion Mark Cavendish will attempt to win Great Britain’s first gold medal of the Games.

And while Box Hill is a long-time favourite of south-east cyclists, Surrey Police believe extra riders are travelling to the area to sample the route.

“We are taking any community concerns very seriously,” said Sgt Andy Rundle. “This isn’t an issue solely of cyclists but an issue of increased visitors to Box Hill full stop.

“We are stopping motorists and cyclists and making sure that all road users are mindful that they are likely to encounter increased numbers of cyclists.

“It is a challenge the local police have to rise to and make sure that everyone is considerate of every other road user.”

But Redhill Cycling Club chairman Adrian Webb believes both cyclists and motorists can be accommodated on the road.

“Box Hill is not on a main arterial route. It is a leisurely zig zag road up to a small village and a National Trust outlook so it should not be impeding anybody’s way. If cyclists are aggressive, that is inexcusable.”

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