Tuesday 25 Nov 2025
PN- 123
London’s cycling boom shows no sign of slowing, with new Transport for London (TfL) data revealing a 43 per cent increase in cycling journeys since 2019 [1]. It comes as TfL’s cycleway network surpasses more than 431km, up from 90km in 2016, meaning 29 per cent of Londoners now live within 400m of a high-quality route [2].
TfL continues to work closely with London’s boroughs to invest in high-quality infrastructure that allows more people to walk and cycle more often, including via journeys that connect to public transport.
Published in TfL’s annual Travel in London report, the new data shows that the number of daily cycle journeys increased in 2025 to an estimated 1.5 million journeys per day, up by 12.7 per cent from 1.33 million in 2024 [3]. The growth was strongest in inner London, with a 14.8 per cent increase between 2024 and 2025 (from 650,000 to 747,000 cycle journey stages). Central London saw a 12.8 per cent increase (from 187,000 to 211,000) and outer London increased by 9.9 per cent (from 490,000 to 538,000) [4]. The growth demonstrates the impact of the Mayor and TfL’s continued investment in high-quality infrastructure that enables more Londoners to make the most of cycling as a sustainable and affordable way of travelling around the capital.
Working with London boroughs, TfL has increased the length of the strategic cycle network from 90km in 2016 to over 431km in 2025, a seven per cent increase from 2024. In 2024/25 alone, TfL launched 17 new Cycleways routes and since September 2025, 29 per cent of Londoners live within 400 metres of the cycle network [5]. It is estimated that around a third of all cycling in London takes place on TfL Cycleways despite the network accounting for 2.5 per cent of all cyclable roads [6]. This impressive data shows the success of the Mayor and TfL’s investment in high-quality cycling infrastructure, working in partnership with London’s boroughs, and demonstrates the need for continued investment. Each protected cycleway provided people from all backgrounds and abilities with safer, more appealing routes, encouraging greater diversity in cycling.
TfL’s continued work with the boroughs in expanding the Cycleway network is making strong progress towards the Mayor’s target of 40 per cent of Londoners living within 400m of a Cycleway by 2030. Cycleways across London helping to reach this milestone include C54 between Canning Town and City Airport and C4 between Greenwich and Woolwich with each protected cycleway providing people from all backgrounds and abilities with safer, more appealing routes, encouraging greater diversity in cycling. TfL is continuing work to expand the network, with construction next year starting in Southwark, Newham, Harrow and Waltham Forest. The routes will include protected cycle lanes, new pedestrian crossings and new bus lanes, also improving journeys for bus users.
Results from the London Travel Demand Survey show an increase in active, efficient, and sustainable mode share in 2024/25 compared to 2023/24. Among those who cycled at least once a month and who had used a Cycleway in the last year, 76 per cent reported feeling safe all or most of the time, highlighting the impact importance of high-quality infrastructure [7]. This investment in safe routes is also helping Londoners stay active, with more than 43 per cent of adults achieving at least 20 minutes of physical activity per day, the highest proportion recorded to date [8].
Alongside cycling, walking continues to play a vital role in sustainable travel, with pedestrian activity in central London rising by three per cent in 2024 and a further seven per cent in early 2025 compared to the same periods the year before [9]. While overall footfall in the same period in 2025 remains around 10 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, areas with high employment, such as the City, are seeing steady growth. To build on this progress, TfL is continuing to invest in schemes that make walking more accessible, including Walking and Cycling Grants for community groups, supporting projects that encourage active travel and make walking an easier and more attractive choice for everyone.
TfL is committed to making life-saving changes at some of the capital's most dangerous and intimidating junctions, as part of its Safe and Healthy Streets funding. This dedicates more than £150m to improving London’s roads for people cycling, walking and accessing public transport, over half of which is invested through London’s boroughs. TfL has so far completed work at 47 Safer Junctions across London, including recently completed works at Battersea Bridge. The new Safer Streets programme also offers up to £50m over the next four years to help boroughs tackle the worst safety locations in their communities.
London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, said: “As we continue to expand London’s cycle network, the number of daily bike trips is soaring. Cycling has increased by 43 per cent since 2019 to 1,500,000 trips every day, with the vast majority of people feeling safe when using our Cycleways. There’s no doubt that London is fast becoming a cycling city. Of course, there is more to do. The Mayor and I will keep working closely with TfL and the boroughs, investing in more high-quality routes to enable even more people to walk and cycle, building a better, greener London for all.”
Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said: "Walking and cycling are at the heart of creating a healthier and greener London, so it’s fantastic to see more people choosing these ways to travel.
“Every extra journey by bike or on foot helps reduce congestion, improve air quality and make our streets safer and more welcoming. We’ve made huge progress expanding the cycle network and continue to work with boroughs to grow the Cycleway network further, making active travel an even more accessible and attractive option for everyone."
Mariam Draaijer, CEO of Joy Riders, said: "At JoyRiders, we want to get more women riding bikes. It’s fantastic to see a massive uptake of cycling in London, but there is still lots to do to continue to encourage more women take up cycling. The future of the cycling network in London must be considered safe by all cyclists, so that everyone who wants to cycle feels they can without barriers."
The Travel in London 2025 Annual Overview report is available to download via the TfL Board Papers, pp. xx here: LINK
TfL Press Office
Transport for London
0343 222 4141
pressoffice@tfl.gov.uk
[1] Travel in London 2025 annual overview report p. 23
[2] Travel in London 2025 annual overview report p. 25
[3] Travel in London 2025 annual overview report p. 23
[4] Travel in London 2025 annual overview report p. 23, Figure 10
[5] Travel in London 2025 annual overview report p. 25
[6] Travel in London 2025 annual overview report p. 26
[7] Travel in London 2025 annual overview report p. 26
[8] Travel in London 2025 annual overview report p. 22
[9] Travel in London 2025 annual overview report p. 27, 28