TfL data shows 6.4% increase in cycling journeys during 2020

Transport for London (TfL) has published a report that outlines the vital role played by walking and cycling during the coronavirus pandemic.

Although the total number of trips made in 2020 decreased dramatically, the number of journeys cycled increased by 6.4 per cent. This meant that over the year, the proportion of journeys cycled accounted for 3.4 per cent of all journeys, up from 2.3 per cent in 2019 – a 48 per cent increase in the proportion of journeys made by bike.

During the pandemic, cycling mode shares for London residents fluctuated, reflecting seasonality, but were still on average around twice as high (5.3 per cent) as they were before the pandemic (2.7 per cent in 2019/20).

Data from TfL’s network of cycle counters also suggests that leisure cycling in particular has boomed since the start of the pandemic, with the number of journeys at weekends regularly double those of equivalent weekends in previous years. Growth in cycling during 2020 was particularly strong in outer London, rising by 24.4 per cent. TfL has worked closely with boroughs across London, including those in outer London, to ensure that infrastructure is in place to support these increases

Additionally, 30 per cent of people said that they are likely to walk more after the pandemic, compared to 10 per cent who believed they will walk less. Meanwhile, 15 per cent of people stated that they would cycle more after the pandemic.

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner said: “Since the pandemic, there has been a huge uplift in walking and cycling, with a ten per cent increase in journeys between 2019 and 2020. It’s wonderful to see more and more Londoners are choosing green and sustainable modes of transport to get around and we will continue to work closely with boroughs to transform our roads enabling even more people to shift their journeys to walking and cycling.”

Alex Williams, TfL’s Director of City Planning, said: “The coronavirus pandemic had a dramatic impact on travel, as people followed government advice to stay at home and avoid public transport. Walking and cycling have played a vital role in allowing people to travel and it’s very encouraging to see this new data, which shows such significant increases in the proportion of journeys cycled or on foot. We’re determined to ensure that the way people travel in London is as healthy and sustainable as possible and will be doing all we can to support people to walk, cycle and use public transport as the capital