People on Bikes Outnumber Drivers in the City of London

The City of London’s efforts to increase biking and reduce driving has finally achieved a long-term goal: a preference for biking over driving.

1 minute read

March 24, 2023, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


People on bikes outnumber drivers in the City of London, according to a recent report.

An article by Carlton Reid shares news of the report to the transportation committee of the City of London Corporation that presents the latest traffic figures for the central square mile of London.

“At peak times, people cycling represent 40% of road traffic in the City and 27% throughout the day,” according to Reid. The trends are a result of a concerted effort to restrict automobile travel and increase biking in the City of London.

“Walking remains the main way people travel on the City’s streets, says the report to councilors,” writes Reid. “However, the number of pedestrians is currently below pre-pandemic figures, with the volumes of motor vehicles also 80% of what they were in 2019.”

The real progress is with people on bikes. “However, cyclist numbers are at 102% of pre-pandemic levels. The number of motorists has fallen by 64% since 1999, while the number of cyclists has increased by 386%.”

Planetizen has been tracking the mode shift underway in London since at least 2016.

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