The number of people cycling through the City of London has surged by more than 50% in just two years, a trend supported by improved cycling infrastructure and the rapid expansion of dockless bike hire schemes. This increase is not only transforming the way people move through the financial district but is also playing a role in enhancing local air quality.
In October 2024, around 139,000 individuals cycled daily in the Square Mile, up significantly from 89,000 in 2022. This shift means that, during daytime hours, there are now nearly twice as many bicycles on the streets as cars. The City of London Corporation highlighted this milestone, noting that the increased uptake of cycling corresponds with a steady 5% drop in motor vehicle traffic since 2022.
The reduction in car usage has brought environmental benefits. The number of locations within the City that exceed nitrogen dioxide limits has fallen sharply, with only two sites breaching the legal threshold in 2024 compared to 15 in 2019. These improvements are a testament to the city’s broader efforts to tackle air pollution through transportation policy.
Since 2003, London has implemented a congestion charge to discourage vehicle use in central areas. More recently, the Ultra Low Emission Zone has extended this effort by levying charges on high-emission vehicles, pushing residents and commuters toward cleaner alternatives like cycling.
The rapid increase in cyclists is also due to the expansion of cycling infrastructure. New dedicated paths and bike-friendly routes have made cycling safer and more convenient, encouraging more people to make the switch. Additionally, the popularity of dockless hire cycles has surged, with usage quadrupling since 2022. Services such as Lime and Forest now account for one out of every six bicycles seen on the City’s roads.
The rise in cycling in the City of London is outpacing growth in broader central London, where cycling numbers have increased by 12% since 2023. The shift reflects a growing embrace of sustainable, health-conscious commuting options and signals a broader cultural change in how Londoners engage with their urban environment.
As cycling continues to grow, it plays a key role not just in easing congestion but also in promoting cleaner air and a more livable cityscape.
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