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Highlights
- Daily cycling journeys in London reached 1.33 million in 2024, a 26% increase since 2019.
- The strategic cycle network has expanded to over 400km, surpassing the London Underground’s length.
- Central London sees the highest growth in cycling, with an 11.6% increase from 2023 to 2024.
New data from Transport for London (TfL) reveals a significant rise in cycling activity across the capital, with the number of daily cycling journeys in 2024 reaching 1.33 million—up 5% from the previous year and a 26% increase compared to 2019. This surge reflects broader trends in London’s transportation landscape, as more residents embrace cycling as a sustainable and affordable travel option.
TfL’s continued investment in cycling infrastructure has played a pivotal role in this growth. Since 2016, the length of London’s strategic cycle network has increased dramatically from 90km to over 400km by September 2024. As a result, 27.4% of Londoners now live within 400 meters of the cycle network. The expansion is part of a larger effort to make cycling a more accessible mode of transport across the city, with TfL working alongside local boroughs to launch new routes and improve safety.
The data shows that the growth has been particularly notable in central London, which saw an 11.6% rise in cycling journeys between 2023 and 2024. This is compared to a 4.2% increase in inner London and a 3.8% increase in outer London. These trends highlight a shift towards cycling in the more densely populated areas of the city, where cycling is often a quicker and more convenient way to travel.
In addition to expanding the cycle network, TfL has introduced 20 new Cycleways routes in the past year alone, connecting over 600,000 Londoners to the network. These protected routes are designed to offer safer cycling conditions, encouraging people of all backgrounds to take up cycling. TfL aims to continue expanding the network, with several new Cycleways set to launch in 2025, including routes from Rotherhithe to Peckham and Enfield to Broxbourne.
TfL’s approach aligns with the Mayor’s goal of having 40% of Londoners living within 400 meters of a Cycleway by 2030. The data also demonstrates the growing integration of cycling with other forms of public transport, enhancing the overall efficiency of the city's travel network.
The rise in cycling has been welcomed by many, including Sustrans, the charity advocating for sustainable travel. Their London Director, Oli Ivens, expressed enthusiasm about the continued growth of cycling, emphasizing its benefits for both health and the environment. The expansion of cycling infrastructure is seen as a key component in making London a more sustainable and livable city for all its residents.
London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, echoed this sentiment, stating that building the right infrastructure has proven to drive more people to cycle. He highlighted the importance of TfL’s work with boroughs to further increase the cycling network, aiming to make London safer, greener, and more connected through active travel.
