Cycling in the City of London has soared by more than 50% between 2022 and 2024 — the biggest increase since records began in 1999, according to the City of London Corporation.

In October 2024, daily counts recorded a record 139,000 cyclists across 30 locations, up from 89,000 two years earlier.

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, welcomed the rise, saying it reflects growing enthusiasm for cycling in the Square Mile.

Cyclists dominate peak-hour traffic

The data shows cyclists now make up 56% of all peak-time traffic in the City. Dockless bikes are also on the rise, accounting for one in six bicycles on the roads.

This shift has helped the City meet three major transport and sustainability goals six years ahead of its 2030 targets:

- Cycling: Up 70% since 2017 (target was 50%)

- Motor traffic: Down 34% (target was 25%)

- Freight traffic: Down 21% (target was 15%)

Cleaner air and healthier streets

Shravan Joshi, chairman of the planning and transportation committee, highlighted improved air quality as a key benefit.

“When we launched our strategy in 2019, 15 locations exceeded nitrogen dioxide limits,” he said. “By last year, that number had dropped to just two.” Photo by Carlton Reid from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, Wikimedia commons.