Biking in London Grew by 20 Percent Since 2019

Pandemic-induced changes and improved bike infrastructure have contributed to the impressive growth of cycling as a mode share.

1 minute read

December 11, 2023, 5:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Blurry person in bike riding quickly in bike lane with Big Ben in background in London, UK.

Sampajano-Anizza / Adobe Stock

The popularity of cycling grew by 20 percent between 2019 and 2023, according to a report from Travel in London noted in an article for Momentum Magazine by Ron Johnson.

According to Johnson, “The pandemic-induced changes, such as hybrid working practices, have left a lasting impact on commuter cycling volumes, particularly in central London.”

Aside from a growth in trips, cycling patterns changed in other ways. Cyclists in London are making shorter trips and traveling more at off-peak hours. Santander Cycles, the city’s bike share program, saw a 5 percent increase in demand in 2022, and an e-scooter pilot program has provided over 3 million rides.

Infrastructure is likely a contributing factor to the growth. “The Cycling Action Plan 2, published in June 2023, aims to have 40% of Londoners living within 400 meters of the strategic cycle network by 2030. As of November 2023, 24.2% of Londoners already lived within this proximity, up from 21.9% in 2022 and a mere 5% in 2016.”

Thursday, December 7, 2023 in Momentum Magazine

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

52 minutes ago - Zachary Whalen

Overlapping highways

The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin

People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.

September 8, 2026 - Benjamin Schneider

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

NYC Mayor Zohran Mandami speaks behind a blue podium.

Mamdani overhauls NYC's Vision Zero plan with 100 new policy goals

The overhaul aims to reduce traffic deaths and make streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers through lower speed limits, new safety infrastructure and more.

45 minutes ago - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

A New Jersey train approaches people waiting at the station.

Amtrak not solely to blame for New Jersey commuter rail's unreliability, report finds

A new study from the Garden State Initiative found that NJ Transit’s budget grew 20% across a 4 year period, but reliability declined significantly over the same period.

September 15 - Mass Transit

A tall, gray power plant billows smoke into a blue sky.

EPA erases limits on planet-warming pollution from power plants

Under Monday’s plan, power plants would still have some limits on how much mercury, arsenic and other contaminants they can emit.

September 15 - New York Times

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.