How safe is London for cyclists?

Getting on a bike in London is easier, more fun and more accessible than ever. It’s not quite Amsterdam or Copenhagen yet, but the city’s two-wheeled revolution has come a long way in the last decade. With more bike lanes and a surge in hire bikes such as Lime and Forest, cycling is a go-to option for getting around.

But with more bikes on the road, staying safe is more important than ever. The key is to ride smart, stay aware and expect the unexpected from other road users (sometimes its just not your fault).

So before you hop on a bike, here are some facts you should know - but please don't be scared off by them!

• Cyclists accounted for more than half of people injured on the London roads in 2023-24 with the main risk being from drivers of cars.
  
  
• In 2023, there were 11,266 incidents in London involving e-bikes and e-scooters. This figure continues to rise with the increased number of riders on the roads. 
  
  
• Cyclists are 15 times more likely to be hurt than motorists. This is a function of being exposed on a bikes and the behaviour of other road users.
  
  
• Risk of brain injury increases 2.5 times if you have an accident while not wearing a helmet. This is why Transport for London (TfL) and The Highway Code both recommend you use a helmet when riding. 
  
  
• A 2020 study found that London cyclists are more likely to use a helmet than in any other European cities. 60% of riders say they wear one but the rise of hire bikes are bringing this number down. Less than 10% of users choose to protect their heads. 

So even though we now know that, cycling is still by far the best way to get around. So here are our top tips for staying safe:

• Always stop at red lights. We know it's tempting but jumping lights is illegal and dangerous. Vehicles and pedestrians may not expect cyclists to run a red which  increases the risk of collisions.
  
  
• Use bike lights at night. London’s streets are busy and visibility can be poor, especially in winter. Get some lights on the front and rear of your bike to make sure you're seen. You can check out which lights we recommend here.
  
  
• Beware of 'Dooring'. Riding too close to parked cars is risky and passengers might open their doors without checking. Always leave space when cycling past parked cars.
  
  
• Stay predictable & signal clearly. Sudden movements can confuse drivers and pedestrians. Always use hand signals when turning and avoid weaving between lanes.
  
  
• Always wear a helmet. While helmets aren’t legally required in the UK, they reduce your chances of having a serious injury in an accident. We may have a product that can help you with that :)

With more bike lanes emerging and hire-bikes around every corner, cycling in London is booming. By prioritising safety, we can keep this momentum going and make the city greener, healthier and safer for everyone on two wheels. 

Check out more information on our foldable helmet here.