Cycling has become increasingly popular in London, according to data from Transport for London (TfL). The number of bike journeys per day has risen to an estimated 1.33 million, marking a five per cent increase from 2023 and a 26 per cent increase since 2019. The strategic cycle network has also expanded significantly, now covering over 400 kilometres compared to just 90 kilometres in 2016, surpassing the length of the London Underground network.
The growth in cycling has been most prominent in Central London, where bike journeys have increased by 11.6 per cent since 2023. With the extension of the cycle network, TfL reports that 27.4 per cent of Londoners now live within 400 metres of the network. In the past year, 20 new cycle routes were introduced, benefiting over 600,000 residents. Mayor Sadiq Khan aims to have 40 per cent of residents living within 400 metres of a cycleway by 2030.
New additions to the cycle network, such as Cycleway 23 in Hackney and C9 in Hounslow, provide safer routes for cyclists. Construction on the upcoming cycle lane, C34, between Wood Lane and Shepherd’s Bush, is set to begin in January. This lane will feature protected cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings, and bus lanes to enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
Looking ahead, TfL plans to complete cycleways from Rotherhithe to Peckham, Enfield to Broxbourne, and Deptford Church Street in the coming year. Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, emphasizes the importance of walking and cycling in creating a sustainable city. He highlights the progress made in expanding the cycle network and reaffirms TfL’s commitment to promoting healthy, affordable, and sustainable transportation options in London.
As the city continues to prioritize cycling and walking infrastructure, more Londoners are choosing these modes of transportation for their daily commutes. By investing in the transport network and collaborating with boroughs, TfL aims to make walking, cycling, and public transport accessible to a wider population. The future of transportation in London is geared towards a greener, more active, and efficient way of getting around the city.
