The UK has the worst congestion, longest commuting time, second highest road utilisation and highest car ownership in the EU. Traffic jams cost the economy £5 billion every year in lost productivity.

Cycling represents a cheap, reliable and pollution-free form of transport that is well suited to urban areas. Cycling is beneficial for the environment, the local economy and our personal health as it can help reduce congestion, improve air quality and boost health and fitness through regular exercise.

The construction of cycle routes began in 1994. Initially, they concentrated along mostly lightly trafficked minor roads, incorporating shared paths with pedestrians and offering safer, more pleasant alternatives to busy roads.

For more on cycling, please contact the London Borough Of Redbridge cycling officer.

Signs and road markings have been installed to highlight the presence of cyclists to both motorists and pedestrians. More recently, in accordance with a London-wide policy, further cycling facilities are now being installed along main roads.

As well as linking up neighborhoods and local centers and providing safer routes across the Borough, the network connects with our neighboring Boroughs' own cycle networks to form more strategic links.

You can find out more about our plans for cycling projects by refering to our Equality Impact Assessments >

Download the Borough cycle map

Cycling safety

The Road Safety Section organises cycling proficiency courses for school children over the age of 10. These courses can help children to develop safer cycling skills, appreciate the needs of other road users and help them pass their National Cycling Proficiency Test.

Adult cycle training instruction is also available in partnership with Cycle Training UK. E-mail info@cycletraining.co.uk or telephone 020 7582 3535.

For bookings and enquiries regarding Cycling Courses for Children please contact them direct. 

Cycle liaison group

A cycle liaison group has been established made up of representatives from the Council, the Cyclists Touring Club and the London Cycling Campaign. The group meets three times annually.

Trains, tubes and buses

• The Tube: Bikes can be taken on any surface or shallow tunnel stations outside of the Monday - Friday rush hours (7.30am to 9.30am or 4pm to 7pm). Only folding bikes can be taken into deep tunnel stations. For further information see the London Underground website.
• First Great Eastern Railway allows bikes on trains free where they can be accommodated outside of the rush hours - 7.45am to 9.45am and 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. There is no restriction on folding bikes.
• Bus Lanes: Cyclists can use bus lanes unless marked 'Bus Only'.