Transport for London (TFL) has published a study which shows that the introduction of 20mph speed limit zones between the years of 1989 and 2013 led to significant reductions in collisions, injuries and deaths, particularly among more vulnerable road users, including children.
The study is based on data taken from 157 individual 20mph schemes and uses comparitive analysis against a control group of all London borough roads. The date range of 1989-2013 was selected to ensure availability of sufficient data before and after schemes were implemented, and to avoid any potential aberrations resulting from changes to injury definitions which were brought to formal reporting in 2016.
The results across all the schemes were consistently positive:
Total collisions fell by 35% (compared to 12% in the control group)
All casualties fell by 36%
Overall fatal or serious injuries fell by 34%
Child casualties dropped by 46%, and children killed by 75%
Among people walking, cycling, or riding motorcycles, killed or seriously injured (KSI) figures fell by 28%
The study clearly demonstrates the benefits of lower speed limits for road safety, and aligns with findings from other UK cities including Bristol, Edinburgh and Portsmouth, alongside initial data following Wales’ implementation of a 20mph limit on restricted roads. As well as road safety, such schemes also have broader benefits for public health, the environment and the economy. Active travel is encouraged, air and noise pollution are reduced, and the healthcare and emergency costs associated with road injuries are reduced.
The TFL study supports a more widespread roll-out of 20mph schemes, as a part of London’s Vision Zero plan to eradicate deaths and serious injuries from its roads by 2041.
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.
According to Fluctuo’s 2024 European Shared Mobility Annual Review, London and Paris are at the forefront of Europe’s shared bike boom, with one-third of Europe’s total shared bike trips occurring in these capital cities.
The latest report from micromobility specialists Fluctuo reveals interesting insights into the effects of the relationships between operators and local authorities, and the role that local conditions have to play in the success of shared mobility take-up.
Paris’s Vélib’ bike share system is Europe’s most used shared mobility service, with 49 million rides recorded in 2024. London plays host to almost one-third of all dockless bike journeys in Europe at 29 million trips.
Paris
Fluctuo CEO Julien Chamussy spoke to Zag Daily about the results from the French capital: “Paris has had its public bike system Vélib’ since 2007 but, despite some initial problems when the contract was renewed and taken over by Smovengo in 2018, it has become the most used bike system in the world, outside of China.
“The success is down to the population density of Paris, but also the station density and fleet size – it’s a convenient service to use, there are always bikes available, and nearly always docking stations available to park in. It is also very cheap to subscribe, and users can get unlimited rides for less than €10 per month.
“Another factor is the political will of Paris and Mayor Anne Hidalgo to promote cycling and reduce car usage. Paris has become a dream for cyclists, and ridership is growing fast.”
In a separate, earlier report, Paris was ranked as the top performing city for bike sharing in Europe. Cycling Industries Europe’s Shared Ambition report benchmarked the performance of bike sharing across 148 EU cities in 2023.
London
London presents a different picture, with a smaller public bike share scheme that is spread over a larger surface area. Station density is lower, which Chamussy noted could lead to the service being perceived as less convenient than Paris’.
However, in the specific case of dockless bikes, Chamussy believes the relationships which has been developed between operators and London boroughs have an important role in the success of bike share schemes.
“Dockless bike operators have been incredibly successful because they have been allowed by the boroughs of London to deploy bikes at scale. There are now more than 30,000 dockless bikes in London whereas in Paris dockless operators have been limited to 18,000 (soon to be 15,000). This has made using shared bikes incredibly convenient in London, and operators and residents are really seeing the benefit.
“London will renew its bike sharing system this year, so it will be interesting to see whether the approach to the station-based or dockless system will evolve over the next 12 to 18 months.”
He went on to outline how both dockless bikes and station-based systems can work in other cities. “Both cities are proof that dockless and station-based models can work, but they both require the right conditions to be successful.”
Highlights of the wider shared mobility sector
The Fluctuo study found that there were 940,000 shared vehicles in 2024, generating 640 million trips and €2.1 billion in revenue.
Berlin has the most shared vehicles in Europe, with 59,000 across the city.
Shared mobility ridership in Europe grew 5% in 2024, despite the overall fleet size decreasing 4% since 2023.
Dockless bike ridership grew by 58%, while fleets increased by 18%.
Shared scooter fleets fell 16% in 2024, and ridership reduced by 9%. Despite this, scooters still make up 47% of all shared vehicles.
London has once again earned the title of Europe’s most slow-moving city, according to the latest TomTom Traffic Index data.
In 2024, the average driver in London spent over 33 minutes traveling just 10 kilometers, surpassing Dublin and Paris as the slowest-moving urban center on the continent.
Traffic woes escalate
London’s average travel speed was a mere 18 km/h (11.2 mph), with congestion adding an average of eight minutes per trip compared to free-flowing conditions. The overall congestion level reached 32%, marking a slight increase from the previous year. Morning and evening rush hours were particularly challenging, with journeys taking nearly 40 minutes to cover the same distance. Cumulatively, London drivers lost 113 hours annually to traffic delays, significantly impacting productivity and quality of life.
Factors driving congestion
There are several factors believed to contribute to London’s notorious traffic. The city’s historic layout, with narrow and winding streets, struggles to accommodate the growing population of approximately 8.9 million. London also serves as the UK’s economic hub, attracting heavy commuting traffic. Construction projects, such as those on the M25 ring road in 2024, are believed to have likely exacerbated the situation.
Additionally, it has been stated that the volume of delivery vehicles has surged, partly due to the pandemic-driven rise in e-commerce. While measures like low-traffic neighborhoods (LTNs) have attempted to reduce vehicle movement in some areas, they remain controversial and have sparked protests alongside support.
Initiatives to address congestion
Transport for London (TfL) is actively working to alleviate congestion. Key strategies include reducing the 10 million daily car trips in London by encouraging alternative transportation modes which are healthier and more sustainable like walking and cycling, as well as public transit. TfL estimates that more than 30% of these trips could be completed on foot within 25 minutes, while 1.7 million could easily be switched to bus journeys.
To deter car use, London has long implemented measures such as the congestion charge, now £15 (around €18) for vehicles entering central zones, and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fee for high-emission vehicles. Proposals to pedestrianize areas like Oxford Street and ongoing efforts to improve bus travel times aim to further reduce traffic.
A persistent challenge
Despite these measures, there are indications that these changes may not be sufficient enough to keep pace with rising demand. Suburban areas of London saw comparatively faster travel times, with an average of 20 minutes for 10 kilometers, underscoring the heavier congestion within the city center.
As TfL continues to push for sustainable transportation solutions, the challenge remains to balance reducing car use with providing viable alternatives. For now, Londoners must contend with some of the most prolonged commutes in Europe.
Transport for London (TfL) has introduced stricter e-bike parking regulations in response to growing concerns about the obstructions caused by on-demand rental bikes from companies like Lime, Human Forest, and Dott.
The new policy mandates that e-bikes can only be parked in designated areas on TfL land and high-traffic “red routes,” aiming to bring order to London’s congested streets.
London has become a testing ground for e-bike services, as a template for assessing their business viability and environmental impact in urban settings. The city currently has at least 40,000 e-bikes in circulation from various providers, complementing TfL’s Santander cycle hire scheme. While e-bikes are praised for promoting sustainable, efficient urban travel, improper parking has drawn criticism for clogging sidewalks and impeding non-electric bike racks.
An allocation of £1 million for 7,500 parking spaces
The enforcement measures expand on prior localized policies to cover a broader area of the city. TfL has allocated £1 million (1,205,275 EUR) to create 7,500 parking spaces across London boroughs, adding to the 2,000 bays already in place. On red routes alone, 800 parking spaces are planned by next summer, with a total of 3,000 targeted by 2026. However, these measures still fall short of accommodating the full demand, as the current parking infrastructure addresses only a fraction of the bikes in circulation.
E-bike providers required to incorporate regulations into their technology
E-bike companies are required to implement technology-based restrictions to ensure compliance. For instance, rental apps will prevent users from ending trips outside designated parking zones. Operators who fail to adhere to the rules may face fines or legal action, although the policy does not yet specify penalty amounts or cover areas outside TfL land and red routes.
Feedback from industry stakeholders
Industry stakeholders have voiced mixed reactions. Caroline Seton, co-founder of Human Forest, commended the initiative, emphasizing the need for government-backed legislation to enforce uniform standards across operators. Lime echoed the sentiment, highlighting its investment in parking infrastructure and commitment to working with TfL to address urban challenges. The policy signals a shift toward stricter regulation of e-bike schemes while maintaining their role in advancing sustainable transportation. Kieron Williams, London Councils executive member for Climate, Transport, and Environment, expressed optimism, urging operators to take greater responsibility and collaborate on long-term solutions.
As London adapts to its evolving transportation landscape, the balance between innovation and regulation remains a challenge in shaping the future of dockless e-bike systems in urban environments.
Recent statistics from Transport for London (TfL) indicate a 26% rise in the number of cycling trips since 2019.
According to TfL’s latest Travel in London report, the capital sees approximately 1.33 million cycling journeys each day, marking a 5% increase from the 1.26 million daily trips recorded in 2023.
This surge in cycling activity coincides with the expansion of London’s Cycleway network, which has now exceeded 400 kilometers, more than quadrupling its length since 2016 and surpassing the length of the London Underground.
“It’s a significant increase in cycling that defies national trends,” stated Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, in an interview with Zag Daily. “What it shows is that all the actions and policies like the expansion to Cycleways, the Mayor’s Healthy Streets approach and the Vision Zero strategy are working in terms of getting more people cycling.”
The most substantial growth was observed in central London, where cycling journeys rose by 11.6% between 2023 to 2024. Inner London experienced a 4.2% increase, while outer London saw a 3.8% rise.
In October, eight Cycleways were expanded in London, and Transport for London (TfL) introduced 20 new Cycleway routes during the 2023/24 period. Currently, 27.4% of Londoners live within 400 meters of the cycle network, with TfL collaborating with London boroughs to achieve the Mayor’s target of 40% by 2030.
A call from the industry is that London’s cycling routes need to be interconnected throughout the entire city, addressing the current gaps in the network.
“We’ve made progress, but this is the start” Mr. Norman stated. “There are still holes in the network – one of the obvious being Kensington and Chelsea. Focusing on those boroughs that are not yet delivering is a priority because a network is only as good as its weakest spot.”
Transport for London (TfL) has announced that next year will see the completion of several borough-led Cycleways, including routes from Rotherhithe to Peckham, Enfield to Broxbourne, and along Deptford Church Street.
“There are boroughs who have never had bike lanes looking at installing cycle networks in the next six to 12 months and that is thanks to campaigning communities and politicians recognising the importance of this.”
Transport officials under Sadiq Khan are reportedly considering raising the maximum speed for rental e-scooters to 15.5 mph and lowering the minimum rider age to 16.
This proposal comes despite 35 serious e-scooter-related injuries in London since trials began in 2021 as part of the city’s “green transport revolution.”
Currently, nearly 5,000 rental scooters in London have a speed cap of 12.5 mph. However, according to a report referenced by The Telegraph, Transport for London (TfL) is considering aligning with the UK’s national e-scooter speed limit of 15.5 mph. The proposal would also permit riders aged 16 and older, provided they hold a provisional license.
London’s two e-scooter operators each have their own age restrictions: Lime requires riders to be 18, while Voi sets the minimum at 16. Nationally, e-scooters are capped at 15.5 mph, though some cities, like London, have opted for lower speed limits.
The London Council report indicates that TfL hopes these adjustments could bolster the e-scooter trial’s longevity and competitiveness. However, safety concerns remain high; Department for Transport data from 2022 reveals that e-scooters were involved in 1,402 collisions across Britain, with 440 resulting in serious injuries requiring hospital treatment. Tragically, 12 fatalities were recorded in e-scooter accidents that year, including 11 riders and one pedestrian.
Sarah Gayton, a representative from the blind advocacy charity NFBUK, criticized TfL’s consideration of speed increases, calling it “insane” and alleging undue influence from e-scooter operators. In defense, TfL’s e-scooter trial lead Helen Sharp emphasized the trial’s safety standards, adding that while they considered aligning with the national 15.5 mph limit, no immediate changes are planned.
In London, e-scooters can currently be rented in boroughs including Camden, City of London, Ealing (east), Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Tower Hamlets (Canary Wharf area), and Westminster. The rental contracts for these e-scooters have been extended until 2026.
TRL’s world-leading Smart Mobility Living Lab in London will host Discover: Innovation Day on Wednesday, 17th July. The event promises a day filled with exciting innovations in transport mobility.
Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the latest advancements in transportation technology from TRL and its partners. The event will bring together industry leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, and cutting-edge innovators.
Reasons to Attend:
Discover the Future: Explore the latest trends and technologies transforming the mobility landscape, from electric and autonomous vehicles to smart city infrastructure and sustainable transportation solutions.
Network with Visionaries: Connect with key players in the industry, expand professional networks, and forge valuable partnerships.
Experience Innovation: Engage with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and thought-provoking insights.
The latest City Ratings, a data analysis tool assessing the bike-friendliness of global cities and towns, has been released. The new annual data reveals that while London leads in England, the country as a whole lags significantly behind other European nations.
This information is concerning for cyclists and transport advocates, four years after the launch of Gear Change, the outgoing government’s flagship cycling initiative. Gear Change aimed for 50% of urban journeys to be made by walking or cycling by 2030, yet PeopleForBikes’ data highlights the continued lack of safe cycling infrastructure.
The City Ratings, calculated annually since 2017 by the US advocacy group PeopleForBikes, evaluate cities’ bike network quality and connectivity, including protected bike lanes, bike paths, low speed limits, and safe crossings. This year, the data for England covers London, Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, Yorkshire, Surrey, Cheshire, Oxford, Cambridge, and more.
London leads the way
London leads England in cycling amenities, with 16 of the 20 highest-rated boroughs. Cambridge holds the top spot with a score of 84 out of 100, followed by Hackney and Islington, both scoring 82. These areas have fewer “high stress” roads and feature low-speed limits (20 mph). On average, London scores 69, Greater Manchester 49, and the West Midlands 46.
The aim of the data is to highlight the best cities and towns for cycling and provide city leaders and campaigners with actionable insights to improve cycling in their communities. This release coincides with political parties making transport commitments and outlining their visions for Active Travel.
In London, the lowest-rated boroughs are Bromley (52), Harrow (51), and Barnet (50), illustrating the significant variation within the city.
England continues to lag behind other European countries
Compared to Europe, England lags behind, with the Netherlands dominating the top 10 with five cities: The Hague (89), Utrecht (86), Almere (85), Eindhoven (85), and Amsterdam (85). France, Belgium, and Germany also feature in the top 10. Paris ranks second overall with a score of 87. Internationally, three London boroughs rank among the top 20: Hackney (13th, 82), Islington (15th, 82), and Southwark (19th, 80).
The West Midlands and Greater Manchester
The West Midlands and Greater Manchester have shown significant commitments to cycling. Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham launched the Bee Network, integrating transport and cycling, though he faced criticism for rejecting a Clean Air Zone. Greater Manchester’s average rating of 49 lags behind London. The West Midlands, including Birmingham, aims to establish itself as the UK’s second city but falls behind Manchester in the 2024 ratings. Investments and progress under outgoing mayor Andy Street are noted, with campaigners urging similar ambition from the new Labour mayor Richard Parker.
Amid a general election, campaigners and local authorities seek clarity on the incoming government’s approach to Active Travel. PeopleForBikes hopes this data will empower activists and stakeholders to advocate for safer cycling infrastructure and its benefits.
Jenn Dice, PeopleForBikes’ president and CEO, stated, “The data for England clearly shows not only a divide between London and other cities but also between England and other European countries. We hope this data provides valuable insights for local authorities, campaigners, and everyone advocating for better cycling infrastructure.”
“These ratings highlight the progress and ongoing challenges for UK cycling infrastructure. Cambridge’s top ranking and the strong performance of several London boroughs demonstrate what is possible with committed leadership and investment in safe, accessible cycling. Our goal with this data is to celebrate successes and provide actionable steps for city leaders and campaigners to improve cycling infrastructure in their communities. As political parties outline their transportation visions, they must prioritize active transportation to create healthier, more sustainable cities.”