This report by Transport for London was released in December 2010 and presents the results of analysis carried out to understand the potential for growth in cycle travel. The goal of this analysis was to better understand the nature of this potential, in terms of what type of trips, people and places offer the best opportunity for growth.

The analysis aims to make the best use of available data to inform policy development – it has been carried out at TfL using existing data sources. This report does not seek to present a complete picture of all aspects of the potential for growth; in particular, there is potential beyond that identified by this analysis to increase cycling as a leisure activity, as a method of accessing other public transport modes, and for those visiting London. Nevertheless, the data provides a unique and fascinating insight into cycling potential, and can help the Mayor, TfL and London‟s boroughs to plan policy interventions that provide good value for money whilst meeting the needs of London residents.
In total, 4.3 million trips per average day have been identified as potentially cyclable, equivalent to 23 per cent of trips by all modes and 35 per cent of trips by mechanised modes. Analysis of the characteristics of these trips shows that:Nearly two thirds of potentially cyclable trips are currently made by car with the remainder largely made by bus; Four in ten potentially cyclable trips are made for shopping and leisure purposes and just under a quarter for work purposes; and Of the 4.3 million potentially cyclable trips made every day, 3.5 million would take less than 20 minutes for most people to cycle.
The segment most likely to cycle at present and most amenable to cycling in future is the "Urban Living‟, making up 23 per cent of the London population and concentrated in central and inner London and in the metropolitan town centres. A postcode classified as "Urban Living‟ can be expected to generate 4.6 times as many cycling trips as a postcode of comparative population classified as "Comfortable Maturity‟, the group least likely to cycle.
Analysis of Cycling Potential | 2.33MG PDF