Creating centres of cycling excellence in outer London

There are 2.4 million 'cycleable' journeys made in outer London every day. In fact, about half of all car trips in outer London are of two miles or less - partly because these areas are not as well served by public transport as in central London. This creates a great opportunity to encourage more cycling for short journeys.

Realising the potential for cycling in outer London

There is huge potential for cycling to grow in outer London. A targeted approach is necessary to address the variety of complex journeys made locally for education, leisure and commuting.  There must be improvements in infrastructure, along with smarter travel initiatives and support at a local level to achieve this. This is where Biking Boroughs comes in.

Identifying 'cycle hubs' is key

Within outer London, there are pockets of high demand around, for example,town centres and bus, rail and Tube stations. To capture this potential, the Biking Borough programme will see some of these areas identified as ‘cycle hubs’, where potential for a shift to cycling is greatest and resources can be targeted.

These cycle hubs will become beacons of cycling excellence in outer London and act as catalysts for change in these areas.

Cycling role models

Biking Boroughs will be role models for other communities, showing how a range of projects can help people take to their bikes. TfL has already provided funding for 13 London boroughs to help them develop Biking Borough action plans. The second phase of the programme will see more boroughs learning from these pilots and developing their own action plans to create a radical change in the approach to cycling.

Outer London Sky Rides

In 2010, the Mayor and TfL delivered two outer London Sky Rides in the boroughs of Ealing and Redbridge. This followed the success of the first local Sky Ride in Hounslow which attracted 11,000 cyclists.

Delivering the benefits of cycling in Outer London

Read Delivering the benefits of cycling in Outer London 

This report was published by TfL in February 2010.