Cycling traffic levels in England have dropped significantly since their pandemic-era peak, according to the UK Department for Transport’s (DfT) latest Cycling Traffic Index.

Published on 5 December 2024, the report shows long-term growth of 9.4% compared to 2013 but reveals a 1.9% decline compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and a sharp 32.8% decrease from the peak recorded in March 2021.

Provisional data for the year ending September 2024 highlights a 2.6% decline in cycling traffic compared to the previous year, suggesting that the surge in cycling during the pandemic continues to wane.

Despite this, cycling levels remain elevated compared to a decade ago, reflecting modest but sustained progress in active travel uptake.

The findings from the Cycling Traffic Index form part of the UK DfT’s wider effort to monitor active travel in England.

Complementary data on walking and cycling is gathered through the National Travel Survey (NTS) and Active Lives Survey (ALS), which provide insights into travel patterns and behaviour.

The NTS collects data through interviews and one-week travel diaries, offering detailed insights into personal travel across Great Britain.

The ALS uses a push-to-web survey approach to assess physical activity, including cycling and walking, among England’s residents. Together, these sources form framework for understanding trends in active travel.

The Cycling Traffic Index itself is derived from more than 200 automatic traffic counters (ATCs) placed across England.

READ MORE: Survey reveals people in England are walking more and cycling less

By using a rolling annual methodology, it smooths out short-term fluctuations caused by seasonal or weather-related factors.

This makes it possible to observe trends such as the pandemic-induced surge in cycling traffic, which peaked in March 2021 with a 62.8% increase over 2013 levels.

Cycling traffic surged during the Covid-19 pandemic, as restrictions prompted many to opt for cycling over public transport. However, as restrictions eased, cycling traffic began to decline.

While levels are still 9.4% higher than in 2013, the data shows that cycling activity has struggled to maintain the momentum seen during the pandemic.

In contrast, motor traffic has demonstrated greater resilience, with a 1.5% drop compared to pre-pandemic levels and a 1.4% rise over the past year.

The differing trends highlight the ongoing challenge of embedding cycling as a mainstream mode of transport.

Despite sustained government investment in cycling infrastructure and active travel schemes, the figures suggest that additional policy measures may be needed to maintain and grow cycling levels.

Finalised data for 2024, due next year, will offer a more detailed regional breakdown and further insights into long-term trends.