TfL launches 10 new cycleways to enhance cycling in London

Credit: Transport for London

Transport for London (TfL) has opened 10 new low-traffic cycleways in London, the largest batch ever launched at once. These routes, combined with three earlier ones, aim to improve cycling safety and convenience in the city. The initiative expands the walking and cycling infrastructure and brings the number of Londoners within 400m of a high-quality cycle route to over 550,000, contributing to the Mayor’s target of 40% accessibility by 2030.

The cycleways connect outer London town centres, such as Walthamstow, Ilford, Barking and Barnes, to the growing cycle network, promoting cycling among new residents and traditionally under-represented groups. Notable routes include a 10km path in Enfield, part of London’s longest continuous cycleway spanning over 25km, linking Enfield, Haringey and Hackney.

These cycleways facilitate cycling access to jobs, schools and hospitality, ensuring a sustainable mode of transportation. The new routes are as follows:

1. Cycleway 1: Freezy Water to Tottenham
2. Cycleway 16: Wanstead Flats to The Olympic Park
3. Cycleway 24: Walthamstow Wetlands to Wood Street
4. Cycleway 34: Hammersmith to Fulham
5. Cycleway 38: Finsbury Park to Angel
6. Cycleway 42: Ilford to Barking Riverside
7. Cycleway 57: Hammersmith Bridge to Barnes
8. Cycleway 10: Embankment to Euston
9. Cycleway: Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms
10. Cycleway: Kentish Town to Gospel Oak

Data shows a significant rise in cycling on these routes, with Tolpuddle Street in Islington witnessing a 96% increase in cyclists on Cycleway 38 within a year.

TfL sets out vision for diversified cycling growth in London

In addition, TfL has completed protected cycle lanes at Old Street and plans to retain changes made at Park Lane, including a segregated cycle lane and bus lane. Progress is also being made on Cycleway 50 in Finsbury Park, Cycleway 23 at Lea Bridge, and the final section of Cycleway 4 on Lower Road in Southwark.

TfL and London boroughs have tripled the size of the strategic cycle network from 90km in 2016 to over 340km in 2023. This expansion enables one in five Londoners to live near the Cycleway network. TfL’s updated Cycling Action Plan aims to make cycling inclusive for a diverse range of Londoners, addressing barriers and promoting the health and economic benefits of cycling.

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “These 10 new cycleways link up low traffic areas and connect local communities, making cycling accessible to even more Londoners and support our aim to build a greener, safer London for everyone.”

Helen Cansick, TfL’s Head of Healthy Streets Investment, said: “Everyone in London deserves safe and sustainable routes, regardless of where they live and thanks to the efforts of many London boroughs in reducing traffic on residential roads and lowering speed limits, we have been able to deliver a further 10 new Cycleways at speed alongside our wider programme of cycling investment.”