New infrastructure underpins cycling increase in London but uptake stalls nationally
Transport for London (TfL) has published new data showing increases in the levels of cycling in London. Its just published annual Travel in London report shows the number of daily cycle journeys increased in 2024 to an estimated 1.33 million journeys per day, up 5% from 1.26 million in 2023, and up 26% since 2019.
The growth was strongest in central London, with an 11.6% increase between 2023 and 2024. Inner London saw a 4.2% increase and outer London saw a 3.8%.
The increase bucks the national trend: Department for Transport’s (DfT) latest Cycling Traffic Index shows long-term growth of 9.4% compared to 2013 but reveals a 1.9% decline compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and a sharp 32.8% decrease from the peak recorded in March 2021.
TfL points to the increased length of the strategic cycle network from 90km in 2016 to over 400km in September 2024 and says it continues to work closely with London's boroughs to invest in high-quality infrastructure that allows more people to walk and cycle more often, including via journeys that connect to public transport.
London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, said, "I'm delighted that London's cycling boom is continuing. We're working hard with London's boroughs to expand our network of cycleways and it's great to see more and more people using them to travel around the capital. Enabling more people to make their journeys by walking, cycling and using public transport is key to building a safer and greener London for everyone."
Alex Williams, TfL's Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said, "Walking and cycling is key to making London a sustainable city, so it's very encouraging to see this new data. We're determined to ensure that the way people travel in London is not only healthy and sustainable but also affordable, which is why we are working closely with boroughs to transform our roads and invest in our transport network, enabling more people to make their journeys by walking, cycling and using public transport."
Oli Ivens, London Director at Sustrans, said, "This new report showing more Londoners are choosing to cycle as part of their everyday journeys is great news from both a health and environmental perspective. At Sustrans we're hugely proud of our work supporting TfL and London boroughs in the roll-out of new cycleways. We continue to design, build and activate new schemes and see huge opportunity for increased cycling in outer-London areas, and an acceleration of the integration of active travel with public transport."
Mariam Draaijer, Chief Executive of JoyRiders, said, "Cycling can often be faster and more reliable than other forms of transport. It's important though to point out that there still needs to be more work done especially in London's outer boroughs and we urgently need to work on closing the gender gap in cycling."
Tom Fyans, Chief Executive Officer at London Cycling Campaign, added, "Thanks to sustained investment by TfL, cycling is a mainstream, mass mode of transport that is healthy, safe, and both climate and congestion busting. But TfL's latest report also underlines the urgency of delivering high-quality safe cycle routes throughout London and into every borough.”