Cycling in London is experiencing significant growth, with electric bicycles (e-bikes) at the forefront of daily commutes and travel.
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London experiences significant rise in cycling activity
London has experienced a notable increase in cycling activity, with daily trips soaring to 1.5 million. This figure represents a 12.7% rise compared to previous years, underscoring a shift towards cycling as a favored mode of transportation.
Approximately 10% of these trips were made using dockless e-bikes, which have gained popularity among both commuters and tourists.
The rise in daily cycling journeys
According to the latest Travel in London report, the number of cycling journeys has increased from 1.33 million to 1.5 million.
This growth encompasses not only direct cycling trips but also those integrated into longer journeys, such as commuting to a train station or transitioning from public transport to cycling. The report highlights that dedicated cycling trips—those not combined with any other transport methods—rose to 1.4 million, meaning nearly 5% of all journeys in London are now made by bike.
Understanding the statistics
The number of end-to-end cycling trips has increased significantly, reaching 1.25 million. This marks a steady rise from previous years, with figures reflecting growth from 1.9% in 2000 to 3.6% in 2019. However, the proportion of London residents who cycled at least once in the past year has slightly declined, from 23% in the previous year to 22% in the current year. This decrease may be due to a high number of non-residents, including tourists and delivery cyclists, contributing to overall cycling statistics in central London.
Dockless e-bikes and traditional bike hire schemes
Traditional bicycle hire schemes, such as the Santander Cycles—often called ‘Boris bikes’—have encountered difficulties, evidenced by an 8% decrease in casual hires. However, these schemes have experienced a 5% increase in usage among members. This dynamic has led to a modest overall growth of 3% for the year, with trends carrying over into the following year. In contrast, dockless e-bike operators like Lime, Forest, and Voi have gained substantial market share, primarily due to the convenience they provide, surpassing the more affordable traditional hire options.
The impact of the dockless bike market
Estimates indicate that over 50,000 dockless e-bikes are available for hire in London, primarily in inner and central areas. The Travel in London report suggests that approximately 10% of daily cycling stages could have been completed using these dockless e-bikes, thanks to their easy accessibility and user-friendly hiring systems. In a recent development, Transport for London (TfL) secured a £40 million sponsorship deal to support the Santander bike scheme until 2032. This initiative aims to expand the e-bike fleet as part of a broader cycling strategy.
Future goals and safety concerns
London’s population is approximately 9.09 million, reflecting a 1% increase from the last year. Transport for London (TfL) aims to achieve 1.6 million cycling journeys each day by 2030, incorporating various modes of transport. Current cycling levels are over three times higher than those recorded in 2000.
Despite the increasing popularity of cycling, safety concerns are on the rise. Recent data reveals a 10% increase in fatalities and serious injuries among cyclists in the city. A tragic incident occurred last week when a 34-year-old cyclist lost his life in a hit-and-run collision on Old Kent Road, marking the seventh cycling fatality in London this year. Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, highlighted the importance of expanding the cycling network while prioritizing the safety of cyclists.
Expansion of cycling routes in London
Transport for London (TfL) has expanded its cycle routes to over 431 kilometers, marking a 7% increase since October. This growth demonstrates a commitment to enhancing cycling safety and accessibility, especially in inner London, where cycling journeys increased by 14.8% within the specified period. Central London reported a notable rise of 12.8%, while outer London experienced a 9.9% increase.
As London transforms into a cycling-friendly city, the emphasis is not only on boosting the number of cyclists but also on improving their safety and overall experience on the roads.
