Economic benefits of walking and cycling
We're committed to improving conditions for walking and cycling across London, in line with the Mayor's Transport Strategy. Alongside improving the health of Londoners and the environment, investment in walking and cycling can achieve considerable economic benefits.
This page brings together the latest evidence, research and findings on the economic benefits of walking and cycling, showcasing studies developed by us and other organisations. As well as in-depth reports and studies, we have created a summary pack containing the best evidence from London and elsewhere. This can be downloaded and used by borough officers and others interested in making the economic case for walking and cycling investment.
Active travel and the high street
Evidence to show the positive impact of walking and cycling on high streets, town centres and other shopping areas.
Street Appeal
The Street Appeal report, developed by UCL on our behalf, studies the impact of improvements to the street environment in London town centres and high streets.
The research found that street improvements return substantial benefits to the users of the streets, including local businesses and people visiting the area. For example, the study found a 17% decline in retail vacancy rates between improved and unimproved streets.
As well as our own research, you can find further evidence at:
- The Pedestrian Pound - Living Streets
- The Complete Business Case for Bike Lanes - CityLab
- Economic Benefits of Sustainable Streets - New York City Department of Transportation (PDF 15MB)
- Place Value Wiki - Professor Matthew Carmona
Active travel and business
Evidence to show the benefits of walking and cycling to London's status as a global business city.
Healthy Streets: A Business View
The Healthy Streets: A Business View report, developed by the University of Westminster on our behalf, surveys London's Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to understand the importance of the Healthy Streets Approach to business performance.
The research found that 85% of BIDs see cycling as important to business performance, and 95% of BIDs see walking as important to business performance.
As well as our own research, you can find more evidence at:
- CyclingWorks
- The Market Cycles - British Council of Offices
- Commuting and wellbeing - University of the West of England
- The association between commuter cycling and sickness absence - National Library of Medicine (USA)
Active travel and London's growth
Evidence to show the role of walking and cycling in supporting London's growth, including unlocking new development and using limited road space more efficiently.
Cycling and the housing narket
The Cycling and the housing market report, developed by Steer on our behalf, studies the relationship between high-quality cycling infrastructure and the housing market, including new development.
Through interviews with key players in the housing industry, including boroughs, developers and industry pundits, the report finds that high-quality cycling infrastructure can make areas better connected and more liveable, improving the lives of current residents and helping unlock new areas to build the homes that London needs.
The report includes a TfL summary and the full report from Steer as an appendix.
Segregated Cycle Infrastructure
The Segregated Cycle Infrastructure evidence pack which we developed compiles monitoring and evidence about the impacts and benefits of our cycling programme, with a focus on new segregated infrastructure.
It shows that impact of the segregated cycle infrastructure that we've delivered has been largely positive. It shows significant increases in the number of people now cycling on these routes, and 5% more people move across Blackfriars Bridge by all modes of transport than before the segregated lanes were installed.
Contact us
For comments and further information, contact activetravel@tfl.gov.uk. We're particularly keen to hear about new research and relevant evidence from third parties.