What does London's cycling data say about the state of active transportation?

Levels of active transportation, how city hall defines using your own power to get from point A to B by walking, in-line skating and especially cycling, have rebounded and are beginning to outpace pre-pandemic levels, according to data from the City of London.

Those numbers come from Eco-Counter, a company whose technology the city uses to measure the amount of pedestrian and cyclist traffic that runs through parts of the city.

"I think there's an adage that says you measure what matters," said Daniel Hall, London's manager of active transportation. "It's really important to understand trends over time to justify investment and to monitor what's being used."

While counters are left out on pre-existing cycling infrastructure like the Thames Valley Parkway, they are present in all new infrastructure the city builds, according to Hall.

"It's really helpful information for us as we plan our cycling network, but also as we think about mobility on the whole in the city," he said, adding that Eco-Counter sensors are part of how city staff are informing the upcoming mobility master plan.

Nowhere has cycling seen a bigger boom than in the core of the city.

Following the construction of dedicated bike lanes on Dundas and Colborne streets, called the Core Cycling Network, city counters saw a 50 percent increase in bicycle traffic.

From 2022 to 2023, there's been a 15 percent increase so far, according to Hall.

"Active transportation is showing real signs of progress and more people choosing to use it, which is great," said Hall.

Hand-in-hand with active transportation, usage of the city's park system is growing as well, Hall said. Despite pandemic slowdowns followed by post-restriction booms in numbers, a general upward trend is what's keeping him confident in the state of London's active transportation.

The growth has been observed by those working at bike shops as well, but not through sales.

Bike sales have been down overall in 2023, according to Dariusz Lierseh, from Wheels & Gears.

Despite sales being flat, he said, the number of people coming in for bicycle service seems to be on an upward trend.

"It's good to see more people on the road, on bikes. It's good for the city, good for the environment and good for everybody," Lierseh said.

Moving forward, the future of active transportation in London is looking bright, Hall said.

"As we continue to build a network that is connected, that feels comfortable, as electric bikes are more prevalent than ever along with all types of bikes, it's only easier to to choose to ride and only more comfortable," said Hall.

"September's coming up — back to school. We're excited about all the cycling improvements we've made in recent years and are definitely encouraging people to try a ride and try it out."