London has lost out to Cambridge as the best place in the UK to ride a bike – amid concerns that progress on encouraging people to cycle in the capital has stalled.
The annual City Ratings survey, based on feedback from thousands of cyclists, saw Cambridge retain first place and Hackney move one point ahead of Islington to be named the capital’s best cycling borough.
But there was concern that London’s overall score of 70 out of 100 was only one point better than in 2024, and the capital had not made any gains on European cities such as The Hague, Paris, Brussels, Munich and Lyon.
It comes amid calls from the London Cycling Campaign for mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to “dream bigger” and do more to encourage cycling, with suggested initiatives such as car-free Sundays, safe family cycling in the suburbs and making a bike available for every Londoner.
Brompton, the London-based bike manufacturer, used its 50th anniversary to call for safer routes, saying this was key to getting more Londoners on bikes.
Three people have died cycling in London in 2025, most recently 24-year-old Jamal Yahya Pratley.
But the number of journeys made by bike in the City of London “square mile” financial district continues to soar, with cyclists outnumbering cars two to one during the day.
The City Ratings measure the quality and connectivity to local amenities of a city’s bike network, including the usefulness of protected bike lanes, low-speed limits, and safe crossings.
London boroughs claimed 14 of the top 20 places, two fewer than last year. First-placed Cambridge scored 84 out of 100, Hackney 83 and Islington 82.
Newham, Waltham Forest and Southwark were also highly placed.
However, boroughs such as Barnet, Bromley and Harrow remained near the bottom and were below the national average.
Tom Fyans, chief executive of the London Cycling Campaign, said: ‘’London continues to blaze a trail in the UK, but if the government is to finally get serious about transport, climate, air quality, health and road danger, the rest of the country needs sorting too.
‘’Sadiq Khan's bravery as mayor in delivering cycling infrastructure and the Ulez charge across London is to be lauded, but even inside London, People For Bikes' data tells a story of patchy borough delivery, with some improving cycling for decades like Waltham Forest, Hackney and those joining them like Newham, versus the have nots, like Bromley and Harrow.
‘’This data shows the UK government needs to fund cycling consistently and well, something it has promised repeatedly but failed to do, and it shows the power of political will and what you get when you have politicians actively delivering change for cycling.’’
A total of 107 UK towns, cities or boroughs were scored, up from 83 last year.
Researchers criticised the Department for Transport for the delay in introducing the third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.
They said that, five years on from the launch of Gear Change, the previous Government’s flagship approach to cycling, and two years since the establishment of Active Travel England, the data, from People For Bikes, highlights what little provision there is for safe cycling nationwide.
Jenn Dice, People For Bikes president, said: “This year’s City Ratings highlight the progress being made in parts of the UK and the ongoing need for greater investment in safe, connected cycling lanes nationwide.
“We know that when cities invest in better infrastructure, more people choose to ride, and that leads to wide-ranging benefits like reduced congestion and better health outcomes.”
Cllr Sarah Young, cabinet member for transport at Hackney council, said: “We’re proud to be leading the way as London’s best borough for cycling by creating safer streets, cycle-friendly neighbourhoods, and building confidence through our Bikeability training for all ages.
“We’re determined to keep making walking, wheeling and cycling an everyday choice for everyone in Hackney.”
