Transport for London unveils huge cycling infrastructure database

Transport for London (TfL) has launched its brand new Cycling Infrastructure Database, claiming to be the world’s largest database of cycling infrastructure aiming to help to make cycling in London easier and more tailored to people's needs. 

The database contains the details of all 240,000 pieces of cycling infrastructure in London, such as cycle parking spaces and cycle lanes, with TfL saying that London is the first city in the world to collect data on cycling infrastructure on such a large scale.

To create the database, TfL surveyed every street in every London borough to collect data on all 146,000 cycle parking spaces across London, as well as gathering information on 2,000km of cycle lanes, 960 traffic filters and 58,000 wayfinding signs. The database also contains 480,000 photographs of cycling infrastructure, allowing users to see exactly what can be found on street and where.

The database has now been made available to London boroughs and has also been released as open data for third-party developers. The data has already been used to upgrade TfL's own Journey Planner, meaning that people using the planner for cycle journeys can now see the nearest and most convenient place to park for every journey.

The database will also make it possible for TfL and the boroughs to plan future investment in cycling effectively. The database has already been used to develop TfL's Cycle Parking Implementation Plan, which last month set out how TfL will work with partners across the capital to invest £2.5m in new cycle parking across London, targeting areas of highest demand.

Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “Last year London saw the quickest growth in cycling journeys on record, but we must continue to do everything we can to make cycling easy and convenient for everyone. TfL’s Cycling Infrastructure Database is the biggest collection of cycling information anywhere in the world, and has the potential to transform the way we think about cycling. It means that wherever you live or work in the capital you can properly plan your journey from beginning to end, knowing the quickest and safest route through every London neighbourhood.”

Click here to view and download TfL’s Cycling Infrastructure Database.