Cycling and Walking

TfL's aim is that by 2041, 80% of journeys in London will be made by cycling, walking and public transport. Come and learn more with us

Naked bike ride by Erica SturlaLondon Transport Museum

Benefits for individuals and the city

By encouraging walking and cycling, TfL aims to create a more sustainable, healthy, and efficient transportation system while addressing various urban challenges, including congestion, pollution, and public health concerns

Winter walks (1957) by Laura Knight, London Transport, and Waterlow & Sons LtdLondon Transport Museum

Benefits for individuals and the city

1. Health benefits
2. Air quality
3. Congestion Reduction
4. Reduced carbon emissions
5. Stimulate economic activity
6. Accessibility
7. Quality of life
8. Safety

Front Cover of Cycle Hire Scheme Feasibility Report (2008-11-01) by Transport for LondonTfL Corporate Archives

Cycle Hire Scheme

The cycle hire scheme offers bikes for rent 24 hours a day, in and around central London

Cycle Hire Crimscott Street Docking Station (2022-12-10) by Luca MarinoTfL Corporate Archives

Introduced in Central London in 2010

The scheme now extends from Hammersmith in the west to Poplar in the east, and from Brixton in the south to Camden Town in the north

Two People Cycling together near Buckingham Palace on Cycle Hire Bikes (2015-09-28) by Transport for LondonTfL Corporate Archives

Cycle Hire E-bikes (2022-10-06) by Transport for LondonTfL Corporate Archives

There are more than 12,000 bikes at around 750 docking stations

Cycle Hire South Bermondsey Station Docking Station (2022-12-10) by Luca MarinoTfL Corporate Archives

Docking Stations are Typically 300-500 Metres Apart

They are found off main roads, near tourist attractions, in parks, and at Tube and rail stations

Cycleway 7, Cycle Superhighways Sign, Elephant & Castle (2021-06-23) by Eleanor BentallTfL Corporate Archives

Cycle Superhighways

Cycle Superhighways offer direct ways into and across London

Image of Segregated Cycle Lane, Transport for London, 2018-11-09, From the collection of: TfL Corporate Archives
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Many of them have segregated sections which separate cyclists from motor traffic

Cycleway 7, Kennington Park Road, Oval (2021-06-23) by Eleanor BentallTfL Corporate Archives

Superhighways often integrate widened footways, new pedestrian crossings and innovative safety improvements at junctions

Local Cycling Guide 7 (2008-08-01) by Transport for LondonTfL Corporate Archives

Cycle Quietways

Cycle Quietways run on less-busy backstreets

People use the Segregated Cycleway on Jamaica Road in Bermondsey, Luca Marino, 2021-05-17, From the collection of: TfL Corporate Archives
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Why Not Walk It Leaflet (2008-08-01) by Transport for LondonTfL Corporate Archives

Why Not Walk It?

We work with the London boroughs and walking organisations to shape the character of London's streets and promote walking

Front Cover of Mayor's Walking Action Plan (2018-07-01) by Transport for LondonTfL Corporate Archives

Our Walking Aim

Making London the world's most walkable city

Introduction to Section 1 of Capital Ring Walking Route, Transport for London, 2017-04-27, From the collection of: TfL Corporate Archives
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Walking Map of City of London, Transport for London, 2021-09-13, From the collection of: TfL Corporate Archives
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We produce and publicise many walking routes and guides to assist people in choosing how to enjoy London on foot

Front Cover of London Transport Country Walks Guide, London Transport Executive, 1950-09-01, From the collection of: TfL Corporate Archives
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Route Digram of a London Country Walk, 1950-09-01, From the collection of: TfL Corporate Archives
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Here at the Archives, we like to point out that the organisation's promotion of walking isn't new. From 1936 to 1980, the organisation produced a series of booklets promoting country walks accessible via the network!

Credits: Story

Story compiled by TfL using information in records at the Transport for London Corporate Archives. The Corporate Archives seeks to preserve and make accessible records, not to interpret them. A wider range of material is available for physical consultation.

Permission is granted to reproduce for personal and educational use only.

This story has been enhanced using images from the collections of the London Transport Museum. All enquiries regarding those images should be made directly to that institution.    

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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