According to a recent report, cycling activity in the capital has surged by 43% over the last six years, reaching 1.5 million rides per day.

The annual Travel in London report published by Transport for London (TfL) revealed that daily cycling trips rose from 1.05 million in 2019 to 1.33 million in 2024.

The report, released on Tuesday, highlighted that just 40% of cyclists on roads without dedicated bike lanes felt safe, compared to a significant 76% who reported feeling secure on designated cycling paths.

Will Norman, the mayor’s cycling and walking commissioner, remarked that London is “rapidly transforming into a cycling city,” but acknowledged that there is still “more work to be done.”

The findings indicated that approximately one-third of cycling trips occur on cycleways, which represent merely about 2.5% of the total network of roads and pathways available in London, according to the report.

Mr. Norman expressed that he and the mayor would “continue to collaborate closely” with TfL and local authorities to enhance the quality of cycling routes, “creating a better, greener London for everyone.”

Transport correspondent Tom Edwards offers further analysis:

If you’ve been on one of London’s bridges during peak hours, you’ve likely witnessed the throngs of commuters opting for bicycles.

Long waits to disembark from the bridges are common.

Are we approaching a point where cycling has become a standard mode of transport in London?

That appears to be the objective of City Hall, and the data clearly indicates an increasing number of people are cycling.

There seems to be a positive feedback loop in play: the presence of segregated bike lanes enhances safety, which encourages more people to ride, subsequently making cycling even safer.

Moreover, knowing someone who cycles often makes it more likely for you to give it a try yourself.

Another noteworthy trend is the growing popularity of rental e-bikes, such as those offered by Lime.

These bikes appear to be appealing to a younger demographic, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, contributing to the rise in cycling participation.

While there are still significant challenges regarding cycling in London, many view it as a clean and efficient means of transportation in the city.

The report also indicated that the number of individuals who were killed or seriously injured on London’s roads has remained relatively stable since 2023, when 3,710 incidents were reported.

In 2024, there were 3,707 casualties, with 81% of those being pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists—a rate that is “comparable to previous years,” the report noted.

The mayor of London has stated his goal is to eradicate all fatalities and serious injuries on the city’s streets by 2041.