More cyclists like to ride their bikes in the capital

10:56am Tuesday 24th June 2008

MORE than half a million cycle journeys are now made every day in London, according to Transport for London (TfL).

Overall, TfL estimates there has been a 91 per cent increase in cycling on London's major roads since TfL was created in 2000.

According to the figures released by TfL on June 16, there are now more than 500,000 cycle journeys made every day in the capital, up from 262,000 in 2000.

TfL commissioner Peter Hendy said: "Despite one of the wettest summers on record, Londoners' passion for cycling continues to grow.

"A 91 per cent growth in cycling levels in just eight years is a great achievement, but we are working to build on this steady growth and improve conditions for cyclists still further."

To continue to support and encourage cycling in the capital, London Mayor Boris Johnson and TfL are investing a further £55m in cycling this year, up from £36m last year, and a ten-fold increase on the £5.5m spent on cycling in 2000.

A Tfl spokesman says this money will be spent on improved cycle parking facilities, education, events and cycle promotion.

Events this summer included the TfL-sponsored Bike and Kite festival which was held in Blackheath on June 14 and June 15, which between 13,000 and 15,000 people attended.

The festival formed part of national Bike Week, which ran from June 14 to June 20.

As well as kite flying, the event included demonstrations by bike stunt artists and cycle experts offering information and advice.

Previous promotions by the Mayor and TfL include last summer's hosting of the Tour de France and the first London Freewheel bike ride with tens of thousands of Londoners taking to two wheels on closed roads.

Mr Johnson said: "I'm delighted a growing number of people, like me, are choosing to cycle around London, and great strides have been made.

"Alongside TfL, the boroughs, and businesses, I am exploring a range of options to make cycling safer, more practical and more attractive."

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