Source: BBC

Cycling in the City of London – the UK capital city’s financial district, also known as the Square Mile – has risen by over 50% in the past two years, based on official traffic counts.

In October 2024, an average of 139,000 people cycled daily across 30 monitored locations, compared to 89,000 in 2022. The City of London Corporation reported that this increase represents the most significant rise in cycling numbers since data collection began in 1999.

According to the Corporation, cyclists now make up 56% of all traffic during peak commuting hours. Additionally, dockless bicycles now comprise approximately one in six bikes on City of London streets.

This shift in transport patterns has led the City of London Corporation to meet three major traffic and environmental targets ahead of the original 2030 schedule. Since 2017, cycling has increased by 70% – surpassing the initial goal of a 50% increase by 2030. Over the same period, motor traffic has decreased by 34% (exceeding the 25% reduction target), and freight traffic has dropped by 21% (surpassing the 15% goal).

The Corporation also noted improvements in air quality. Chairman of the planning and transportation committee, Shravan Joshi, stated that the number of locations exceeding nitrogen dioxide limits has declined from 15 in 2019 to two in the most recent data.