London adds 51km of new cycle routes in 12 months

Transport for London (TfL) and London’s borough’s have been making good on their active travel commitments, having constructed 51km (32 miles) of permanent new cycle routes between April 2024 and April 2025.

London’s 33 boroughs are responsible for approx 95% of streets across the capital and, with TfL, has a three year programme where up to 95km of cycle routes are set to be delivered (by 2027/2028).

In other London-centric cycle infrastructure news, 1,673 publicly accessible cycle parking spaces have been created in the year, plus 10,000 residential and 900 school cycle parking spaces.  Funding has also enabled 16,631 adults and 51,190 children to be trained with cycling skills.

The press statement from TfL, swift to emphasise the benefits of its collaboration with the boroughs, also details other infrastructural improvements for active travel, including more School Streets – the total number in London of said streets is 800, having added 150 in the April to April period. 222 more are on the way by 27/28.

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods grew by seven, while 15 experimental schemes were made permanent and 26 new road closures were implemented to reduce through traffic and improve air quality.

Helen Cansick, TfL’s Head of Healthy Streets Investment, said: “London’s boroughs play a crucial role in delivering improvements that make our streets safer, more accessible and more sustainable. The level of ambition from passionate borough officers has increased year on year, as they see the value that this investment has for the communities they serve – from safer places to cross the road and expanded cycle routes to lower traffic speeds, safer journeys for schoolchildren and cleaner air. We look forward to continuing working with boroughs to build a better, safer and greener London for everyone.”

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “This impressive data highlights the power of working in partnership, with TfL’s expertise and London boroughs’ deep local knowledge combining to create streets that truly reflect the needs of their communities. This ongoing work to make it easier and safer for Londoners to choose walking or cycling for shorter journeys is vital in achieving the Mayor’s Vision Zero target and building a healthier, more sustainable city for all.”

Tanya Braun, Director of External Affairs and Fundraising, Living Streets: “These improvements are making London a safer place for everyone living, visiting and working in the capital.

“Our latest research for International Walk to School Month found that parents are discouraged from walking their children to school because of traffic, vehicles around the school gates and a lack of safe crossings. By expanding the School Streets programme, introducing new crossings and widening our pavements, more of us can now choose cleaner and healthier ways to get around.”