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Date updated: 5/02/2025

Cycling in the City of London is a popular way to get around. One in every four vehicles in the Square Mile is a person cycling. Cycling has many advantages for your health and wellbeing. Cycling instead of driving helps our environment and is central to our Transport Strategy. It frees up space on our roads and public transport for those that need it.

Whether a beginner or an expert, the City and Greater London are home to a growing network of cycleway routes and healthy streets that make it safe and easy to get around.

What we are doing to support cycling

We want the range of people choosing to cycle to match the diversity of people who work, study, live in and visit the City. 

Did you know:

  • To support safer cycling, there is a 20mph speed limit in the Square Mile
  • To make it quicker and easier, many one-way streets can be cycled in both directions
  • The City is at the centre of  London's network of Cycleways and Quietways
  • The Active City Network​ offers City of London employers a number of free services

Plan your route

Here are some handy tools to help you plan your route through the City:

Find cycle parking 

We have over 1,500 on-street cycle parking stands (which equates to over 3,000 parking spaces) located across the City.

You can use our interactive map to find cycle parking near you. Our own City Corporation car parks also have free, secure undercover cycle parking, which is covered by CCTV. 

Cycle Hire

Hiring a cycle is a great way to get around the city. We’re home to Santander Cycles and dockless cycle hire operators. 

Santander Cycles now include e-bikes, so you can go further more easily. Visit Santander Cycles.

Dockless hire bikes from Lime and Forest can be found, hired and unlocked using a smartphone app and may be ridden and parked in designated areas the City.

If you park or abandon a dockless bike outside of a designated parking area, you may be fined or banned.

More information can be found on our Dockless Cycle Hire in the City webpage. 

Learn or improve your confidence with free cycle training

If you live, work or study in the Square Mile you can get free cycle skills training from expert instructors at Cycle Confident..

Your instructor will tailor the session to suit your individual abilities and goals, whether you are a first-time rider or someone who regularly cycles but wants to improve your confidence at complex junctions, in heavy traffic or at night.

Cycle Confident offers:

  • Cycle Skills: Basic (off-road environment), Urban (quiet local roads) or Advanced (complex junctions and busy roads) and Family Cycle Skills
  • Bespoke cycling related packages for businesses

Transport for London also offer a free online cycle skills course for people who are new to cycling or just wanting to brush up their cycling skills.

Cargo bike rider training

If your business transports goods by cargo bike and you are interested in receiving cargo bike rider training, so your business can transport goods safely, Pedal Me provides City & Guilds ‘Assured’ cargo bike rider training, including 1-1 cycle skills training.

Go to Pedal Me cargo cycle rider training for more information.

Zero Emissions Network

If you work or live in the City of London you can benefit from joining the Zero Emissions Network, funded by the Mayor of London.

Member businesses can:

  • Apply for a grant of up to £2,500 towards the cost of a cargo bike.
  • Get three free cargo bike courier deliveries.
  • Try a cargo bike for a week for free. 

Businesses and residents can:

More information is available on the Zero Emissions Network website.

Discover Wheels4Me London 

They have a pioneering initiative designed to provide free cycle loans to Londoners whose needs aren't met by standard bicycle hire schemes.

Whether you're a commuter, student, or simply looking to explore the City on two wheels, Wheels4Me London ensures everyone has access to a bicycle that suits their unique requirements.

Visit Wheels4Me London to learn more and get started today!

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