London announces bold new cycling plan following 155 percent increase in trips

On a recent Clean Air Day, near our Momentum office in Toronto there was a warning of dangerously poor air quality, some of the dirtiest air on the planet, thanks to out-of-control wildfires. The city smelled like a campfire. Despite what some might argue, this is the climate crisis in action and we can expect more of the same, and worse, if we don’t get serious and make big changes right away. Some of the lowest hanging fruit in the battle is cycling. The infrastructure, the subsidies, everything is easy and affordable. That’s why, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, another city that knows a thing or two about crappy air, London, England, was making news of its own. The good kind.

Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled an ambitious Cycling Action Plan aimed at increasing cycling numbers and promoting diversity among cyclists in the capital. The plan, launched on Clean Air Day, is part of TfL’s ongoing efforts to integrate cycling into a greener and more progressive city where cycling is accessible to everyone.

Over the past two decades, cycling in London has experienced significant growth, with a staggering 155 percent increase in daily cycle journeys since 2000. Even during the challenging times of 2022, daily cycle journeys increased by 13 percent, despite a decrease in overall trips across all modes of transport.

TfL and London boroughs have made substantial progress in expanding the London-wide strategic cycle network, increasing its size from 90 km in 2016 to over 340 km in 2023. This expansion means that more than one in five Londoners now reside near the Cycleway network.

The new Cycling Action Plan sets two major targets to build on previous successes:

1. Growing the number of daily cycle journeys to 1.6 million by 2030, a third more than the 1.2 million recorded in 2022.
2. Ensuring that 40 percent of Londoners live within 400 meters of the Cycleway network by 2030, compared to the current level of 22 percent in 2022.

“Our new Cycling Action Plan sets out our commitment to further boost the numbers of cyclists across our city and increase participation from London’s diverse communities,” said Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner. “We want London to be the best city in the world to cycle in, and breaking down barriers to participation and access to it is a big part of that. Alongside London’s boroughs and other partners we will continue our efforts to expand cycling to build a greener, fairer city for everyone.”

The plan recognizes the importance of making cycling more inclusive and representative of London’s diverse communities. Research conducted by TfL indicates that people from underrepresented groups are open to taking up cycling, and the plan outlines evidence-based measures to address the barriers they face.

To support these groups, the plan includes ambitious targets such as installing 42,000 secure residential cycle parking spaces by 2030, providing cycle training for more than 40,000 children and 20,000 adults this year, and supporting community-led interventions. TfL is also exploring the possibility of introducing concessionary fares to the popular Santander Cycles hire scheme to assist the most disadvantaged Londoners, subject to funding.

Will Norman, the Walking and Cycling Commissioner, expressed his commitment to increasing cycling numbers and diversity in London. He stated, “We want London to be the best city in the world to cycle in, and breaking down barriers to participation and access to it is a big part of that.”

TfL’s Director of Transport Strategy and Policy, Christina Calderato, emphasized the significance of cycling in tackling road danger, air pollution, climate change, and traffic congestion. She acknowledged the progress made in recent years and highlighted the need to go even further to ensure cycling is a viable option for all Londoners. Collaboration with boroughs and other partners will be essential in delivering the benefits of cycling to everyone.

“Cycling plays a vital role in London’s transport network as we work to tackle road danger, as well as the threats posed by toxic air, the climate emergency and traffic congestion,” she said. “We’ve made significant progress with cycling in recent years and we recognise that we need to go even further. This plan sets out significant new targets to ensure that cycling is a realistic choice for all Londoners. We’ll continue to work closely with boroughs across the capital, alongside other partners, to make sure that we deliver on cycling for the benefit of everyone.”

The Cycling Action Plan aligns with TfL’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating death and serious injury on London’s roads. To achieve this, TfL plans to implement transformative junction safety improvements and enhance road safety standards for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).

TfL’s commitment to active travel extends beyond cycling. The organization has restarted projects aimed at improving the safety and attractiveness of walking and cycling in the city. Additionally, TfL is engaging with local communities to introduce new 20 mph speed limits in several boroughs, creating safer and more appealing environments for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users.

Earlier this year, London also announced plans to boost cargo bike use in the city.

TfL’s plan to boost cycling and enhance diversity is a significant step toward a greener, healthier, and more inclusive London. By expanding the cycle network, addressing barriers, and fostering greater representation, TfL aims to make cycling a realistic choice for all Londoners, further solidifying the city’s commitment to sustainable and active transportation.