Cycling journeys up by 43% in London, report finds

Cycling journeys in the capital have increased by 43% over the past six years to 1.5 million a day, according to a new report.

Data published in the Transport for London (TfL) annual Travel in London report showed daily bike journeys increased from 1.05 million in 2019 and 1.33 million in 2024.

The report, published on Tuesday, found only 40% of cyclists travelling on roads without cycle paths felt safe, in contrast with the 76% who said they felt safe on designated bike routes.

The mayor's walking and cycling commissioner, Will Norman, said London was "fast becoming a cycling city" but added there was "more to do".

More and more people are taking using bikes as their means of transport in London

About a third of cycling in London takes place on cycleways, which make up only about 2.5% of the ridable network of roads and paths in London, the report said.

Mr Norman said he and the mayor would "keep working closely" with TfL and the boroughs, investing in more high quality routes "building a better, greener London for everyone".

Analysis by Tom Edwards, transport correspondent

If you have been on one of London's bridges in rush hour you will have seen the thousands of commuters using bikes to get around.

There are long queues to get off the bridges.

So is London at the tipping point where cycling becomes normal?

That is certainly what City Hall wants and the numbers certainly show more and more people are taking to two wheels.

There seems to be a virtuous circle. Segregated bike lanes increase safety, which leads to more riders, which in turn makes cycling even safer.

And if you know someone who cycles, it becomes much more normal for you to try it as well.

Another interesting addition is the rise of the hire e-bikes like Lime.

They seem to be targeting a younger Gen Z and Millennial generation which is also increasing the number of riders.

Of course, there are still many issues about cycling in London, but for many it is simply just a clean, effective form of getting around in the capital.

TfL recorded 1.5 million daily cycling journeys in London so far this year

The report also found the number of people killed or seriously injured on London's roads has remained largely the same since 2023 when the figure stood at 3,710.

In 2024, 3,707 people were killed or seriously injured - of those, 81% were walking, cycling or motorcycling - a percentage "similar to previous years", the report states.

The mayor of London has said he aims to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from London's streets by 2041.