Key Impact Points:
- Cycling in the City of London has surged over 50% in two years, reaching a record 139,000 cyclists daily.
- The City achieved its 2030 cycling, motor traffic, and freight reduction targets six years early.
- Air quality has significantly improved, with only two locations exceeding nitrogen dioxide limits, down from 15.
Cycling Surges in London’s Square Mile
Cycling in the City of London has increased by more than 50% in just two years, according to new counts by the City of London Corporation. October 2024 recorded 139,000 cyclists daily across 30 locations—up from 89,000 in 2022—the largest jump since records began in 1999.
London’s walking and cycling commissioner, Will Norman, said he was “excited about the increase of cycling in the Square Mile.”
Cyclists Dominate Peak Traffic
People cycling now account for 56% of all traffic during peak commuting hours. Dockless bicycles have also gained popularity, making up one in six bikes on City streets.
The traffic transformation enabled the City of London Corporation to meet three major targets six years ahead of schedule:
- Cycling has risen by 70% since 2017, surpassing the 50% target set for 2030.
- Motor traffic has dropped 34%, exceeding the 25% reduction goal.
- Freight traffic has fallen by 21%, ahead of the 15% reduction target.
Air Quality Sees Major Gains
Chairman of the planning and transportation committee at the corporation, Shravan Joshi, highlighted the environmental improvements:
“When we first published our strategy in 2019, 15 locations across the City exceeded our air quality objective for toxic nitrogen dioxide,” he said. “Last year this figure was down to two.”
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