Transport for London has launched a new plan to increase levels of cycling, while ensuring that those riding become more representative of the capital’s diverse communities.
The Cycling Action plan, launched on Clean Air Day (15 June), sets two major new targets:
- Growing the number of daily cycle journeys to 1.6 million by 2030, up by a third from 1.2 million in 2022
- Ensuring that 40% of Londoners live within 400 metres of the Cycleway network by 2030, up from the current level of 22% in 2022
The plan outlines why it is essential to broaden the appeal of cycling to a more diverse range of Londoners.
TfL’s research shows that people from under-represented groups are open to taking up cycling. The plan outlines ambitious evidence-led measures to support these groups by addressing the barriers they face.
This includes targets for installing 42,000 secure residential cycle parking spaces by 2030, funding cycle training for more than 40,000 children and 20,000 adults this year and supporting more community-led interventions.
TfL will also be exploring the possibility of, subject to funding, adding concessionary fares to the capital’s record-breaking Santander Cycles hire scheme to support the most disadvantaged Londoners.
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “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.
“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 past two decades have seen significant growth in cycling in the capital, with a 155% increase in the number of daily cycle journeys since 2000.
This includes a 13% increase in daily cycle journeys between 2019 and 2022, despite Londoners making fewer trips across all transport modes in 2022 than in 2019.
Meanwhile, TfL and London boroughs have more than tripled the size of the London-wide strategic cycle network, from 90 km in 2016 to more than 340km in 2023.
21 June 2023