Relativistic solar proton events have been prolific during the 22nd solar cycle. With improved measurement techniques and time resolutions several unusual characteristics have been observed in the intensity‐time profiles of these events as recorded by ground‐based neutron monitors. In particular several events exhibit an unusual initial anisotropic spike recorded by stations viewing into or through a narrow cone of asymptotic directions. A similar structure was observed during the 19th solar cycle associated with solar activity from the same heliolongitude range on the solar disk. Any solar particle acceleration and/or interplanetary propagation models must be able to explain these type of intensity‐time profiles. ©1996 American Institute of Physics.