Data shows sustained increases in walking and cycling in the capital

New data shows there have been continued increases in the levels of walking and cycling in London in 2023 – with the number of daily cycle journeys up by 6.3%.

The data has been published by TfL, who says enabling more people to travel actively, including as part of journeys that also involve public transport, is vital to a sustainable transport network in the capital.

The new data shows that the number of daily cycle journeys increased in 2023 to hit an estimated 1.26 million journeys per day, up by 6.3% from 1.19 million in 2022, and up by 20% since 2019. 

While central London has seen a smaller level of growth (1.7%) reflecting hybrid working and less commuter cycling, both inner and outer London have seen strong increases of 8.2% and 5.5% respectively compared to 2022 levels. 

Separate data from the report shows that in the financial year 2022/23, the percentage of all journeys made by cycling reached 4.5%, a significant increase compared to the pre-pandemic level of 3.6% in 2019/20.

New data also shows that the proportion of Londoners who have cycled in the past year has increased, including increases among people from Black, Asian other minority ethnic groups. 

In the financial year 2022/23, 24% of Londoners reported having cycled in the past year, up from 21% in 2019/20. This includes increases among all ethnic groups, including Black people (12% in 2019/20 to 15% in 2022/23) and Asian people (11% in 2019/20 to 15% in 2022/23). 

New data from the Travel in London report also shows that walking accounts for 39% of all trips by London residents. Overall trip rates have increased from 0.66 trips per person per day on average in 2017/18 to 0.80 in 2019/20 and 0.84 in 2022/23.

Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “I’m delighted to see the increase in cycling and walking journeys in London continue for yet another year. 

“The mayor and I are committed to boosting this further. We will continue to expand the network of cycleways and make more junctions and crossings safer. 

“We’re determined to build a cleaner, greener and more prosperous London for everyone, and investing in sustainable transport options is a vital part of that.”

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