Cycling is Becoming an Increasingly Popular Mode of Transport in London
According to the TfL report on Travel in London, cycling is becoming an increasingly popular mode of transport in the city, with over 780,000 cycle journeys made each day in 2019. This trend is expected to continue as more people look for sustainable and active ways to get around.
London has made significant progress in recent years in improving its cycling infrastructure, with new cycle lanes, cycle superhighways, and cycle parking facilities being introduced across the city. In this section, we will explore the data from the TfL report on cycling in London and examine what it means for those who are interested in pro-active travel.
The Growth of Cycling in London
Cycling has become a popular way to get around London, thanks in part to the introduction of new cycling infrastructure and the success of initiatives such as the Santander Cycles bike-sharing scheme.
In 2019, over 780,000 cycle journeys were made in London each day, representing an increase of 5% from the previous year. The TfL report notes that cycling has become particularly popular in inner London, where around 10% of all journeys are made by bike.
For residents, cycling can be an excellent way to get around London, providing a low-cost, sustainable, and active alternative to other forms of transport. Cycling can also be a faster way to get around the city, particularly during peak hours when traffic is congested.
Cycling Infrastructure in London
London has made significant investments in cycling infrastructure in recent years, with the introduction of new cycle lanes, cycle superhighways, and cycle parking facilities across the city.
The TfL report notes that there are now over 1,000 km of cycle lanes in London, including 115 km of cycle superhighways. These dedicated cycle lanes provide safe and separate spaces for cyclists, away from motor vehicles and pedestrians.
In addition to cycle lanes, London has also introduced new cycle parking facilities, with over 145,000 cycle parking spaces now available across the city. This makes it easier for people to cycle to work, school, or other destinations, knowing that they will have a secure place to park their bike.
For residents, these investments in cycling infrastructure make it easier and safer to cycle in London. By using dedicated cycle lanes, cyclists can avoid traffic and reduce their risk of accidents, while the availability of cycle parking facilities makes it more convenient to use a bike for transport.
Santander Cycles Bike-Sharing Scheme
The Santander Cycles bike-sharing scheme, also known as the “Boris bikes,” has been a significant success in London, providing a low-cost and convenient way to cycle around the city.
The scheme, which was launched in 2010, now has over 12,000 bikes and 780 docking stations across the city. In 2019, over 10 million journeys were made on Santander Cycles, making it one of the most popular bike-sharing schemes in the world.
For residents, the Santander Cycles scheme provides an excellent option for short-term bike hire, allowing you to cycle around the city without the expense and hassle of owning your own bike. The scheme is also convenient, with docking stations located throughout the city, making it easy to pick up and drop off bikes at different locations.
Challenges and Considerations for Cyclists
While cycling in London has become increasingly popular and safe in recent years, there are still some challenges and considerations that residents should be aware of.
One of the main challenges for cyclists in London is the risk of accidents, particularly with heavy traffic and roadworks. The TfL report notes that there were 4,200 reported cycling accidents in 2019, with 73% of these accidents involving collisions with motor vehicles.
Another challenge for cyclists in London is the availability of secure bike storage facilities. While the city has made significant investments in cycle parking facilities, it can still be challenging to find secure and convenient places to park your bike, particularly in busy areas.
For residents, it’s important to take steps to ensure your safety while cycling in London. This includes wearing a helmet, using appropriate lights and reflectors, and being aware of the rules of the road. It’s also important to choose your route carefully, taking advantage of dedicated cycle lanes and avoiding busy roads where possible.
Conclusion
Overall, the TfL report on Travel in London highlights the growing popularity of cycling as a mode of transport in the city. With significant investments in cycling infrastructure and the success of initiatives such as the Santander Cycles bike-sharing scheme, more and more people are choosing to cycle as a sustainable and active way to get around.
For residents, cycling can be an excellent option for short journeys and commutes, providing a low-cost and efficient alternative to other forms of transport. However, it’s important to be aware of the challenges and considerations involved in cycling in London, and to take steps to ensure your safety while on the road.
By continuing to invest in cycling infrastructure and promoting sustainable and active travel, London can become a model for other cities around the world, providing a healthier, greener, and more efficient way to get around.