A network of protected cycle lanes is the difference between cities where most people cycle, and cities where most people don’t.
A network of physically-protected cycle lanes is the single most important thing we can do to get London cycling. Most people won’t cycle without safe, direct cycle lanes that combine together into a complete network.
Our campaigning in 2012 saw London’s first protected cycle lanes delivered by previous Mayor Boris Johnson, despite fierce and organised opposition. Today these are the big east-west cycle lane along the Embankment in central London (C3) and the big north-south cycle lane from Kentish Town to Elephant and Castle (C6). We continue to successfully campaign for more protected cycle tracks across London.
Increase in km of protected cycle lanes in London since 2016
Increase in cycling over Blackfriars Bridge within 6 months after protected cycle lane built
Cycle journeys in London every single day - more than the Northern, Metropolitan and Bakerloo lines combined
Above: Westminster before and after, at the location of one of London’s first protected cycle lanes built thanks to our campaigning. 2011 photo thanks to Google Maps.
You can find lots more detail about cycle lanes and more in our Campaigning Resources section (see: Introduction to Infrastructure). And cycle lanes aren’t the whole picture. Area-wide Low Traffic Neighbourhoods are also a vital part of a city cycling network.
Plus even when a space is designated as ‘for cycling’, many of London’s older “greenway” and “Quietway” cycle routes don’t work well because they are often built in unsuitable areas (unlit towpaths, industrial estates…) to avoid the political work of building a main road cycle route.
Within the existing cycle network across London, find out how to plan safe cycle routes here.
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We've achieved a lot in the past few years, but there's so much more to do. In cities like Amsterdam 36% of all journeys are made by bike. As a charity, our 12,000+ members across London make our work possible. We can't campaign without your support.
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