London’s municipal bike sharing program enjoyed its best year as train, Tube and bus strikes disrupted travel in the capital.
(Bloomberg) — London’s municipal bike sharing program enjoyed its best year as train, Tube and bus strikes disrupted travel in the capital.
Transport for London recorded 11.5 million rentals in 2022, a million more than pre-pandemic levels and a fresh record.
Bike usage spiked on days when Underground and train services were out of action due to strikes. Industrial action has spilled into 2023 as workers push for raises to keep pace with Britain’s double-digit inflation. On Tuesday, transport unions were locked in talks with ministers and rail bosses.
Read More: Why Strike-Averse Britain Is Gripped by Labor Unrest (QuickTake)
However, use of London’s shared bike program was below previous years from late September onward as a new pricing structure, which made it more expensive to take multiple rides, came into force.
The system — widely known as Santander Cycles, after its main sponsor — represents a portion of overall rentals in the city. Other programs by private companies such as Brompton bikes have tried to capitalize on the strikes, including offering free usage during December’s industrial action.
Data from VivaCity, which tracks wider bike usage, showed that cycling more than doubled on strike days. Car usage also rose.
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