By Aidan Radnedge Editor
Ten times more cyclists than drivers have been fined for running red lights in one of London’s busiest districts, new figures have revealed.
And one in six bike riders admits to frequently ignoring traffic light signals to stop, according to a new poll for electric vehicle firm Lime.
City Of London Police say they are carrying out a new crackdown on cyclists who flout regulations – with many more doing so compared to drivers in the area.
Some 284 people have been fined so far this year for not stopping at traffic lights while riding bikes in the City of London, compared to just 25 drivers.
The figures were revealed by City of London Police, at the same time as a separate study by Lime on the attitudes shown by cyclists across the UK’s capital city.
Fines for cyclists running red lights are set at £50, while drivers must pay £100 – with the money going to the Treasury – and receive three points on their licence.
City of London Corporation figures show cycling in the area has increased by 50 per cent in the past two years.
And capital-wide statistics suggest there are now 1.33million daily cycle journeys across the whole of London.
City of London Police have now launched what they are calling a ‘Safer City Streets’ campaign, aimed at urging less potentially dangerous behaviour by cyclists.
It comes as officers raised concerns not only about the running of red lights but also thefts of pedestrians’ mobile phones by criminals rushing by on bikes.
The force said its ‘Op Swipe’ crackdown had reduced mobile phone seizures by 30 per cent in recent months.
They are now placing blue plaques have been placed on the ground where phones have been snatched – and also offering free phone marking to help get devices back to owners if police find them.
Officers now say they are focusing more on anti-social behaviour by bikers, following what they described as ‘growing calls from pedestrians, motorists and cyclists themselves for action to be taken’.
Tijs Broeke, chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, said: ‘People want to feel safe on our streets whether they’re walking to work, cycling through the Square Mile, or just enjoying the City.
‘This campaign is about action. We’re listening to the concerns of residents and workers on issues like phone snatching, anti-social behaviour and reckless cycling, and taking clear, visible steps to tackle them.
‘By combining intelligence-led patrols, smart enforcement, and community engagement, we’re focused on prevention and results.
‘It’s about keeping crime down, supporting victims and making sure the City stays one of the safest places in the country.’
Meanwhile, the separate study for Lime and carried out by Thinks Insight & Strategy suggested 52 per cent of London cyclists admit to running red lights – with 16 per cent, or almost one in six, confessing they did so regularly.
And yet 82 per cent of the capital’s cyclists, more than four in five, recognised that going through traffic lights was dangerous – yet 13 per cent of those committing the offence were unaware it is actually illegal.
Some 71 per cent of London bikers say there should be tougher penalties for running red lights, according to the new poll of more than 1,000 cyclists across the city.
Lime is now launching its own new safety campaign, dubbed ‘Respect the Red’ – installing safety messages at high-traffic cycling hotspots and key junctions.
The company’s UK and Ireland policy director Hal Stevenson said: ‘More Londoners are cycling than ever and as our city adapts, we all have a role to play in keeping each other safe.
‘This research confirms what we’ve long known – when cyclists don’t feel safe, they take risks. The answer is better streets for cyclists, and we’ve made good progress thanks to TfL and London boroughs. But the pace of change must match demand.
‘Cyclists also need to take responsibility. Running red lights puts everyone at risk. As part of London’s cycling community, we know Lime has a role to play.
‘We back Thinks’ recommendations and are launching our “Respect the Red” campaign to support safer cycling and drive behaviour change.’
Tom Sleigh, who chairs the City of London Corporation’s planning and transportation committee, welcomed how cycling in the area was ‘booming’.
Yet he added: ‘With that growth comes responsibility. Most people riding in the Square Mile are safe and respectful.
‘But let’s be honest – red light running by a minority puts everyone at risk. It’s not just illegal – it’s anti-social.
‘I was delighted to work with both Lime and the City of London Police to help get this partnership off the ground. It’s about sending a clear message – safe cycling is non-negotiable.’
The moves have also been backed by the charity Cycling UK, whose director of behaviour change and development James Scott said: ‘Safer road users is a key part of a safe systems approach towards reducing casualties on our roads.
‘We’re excited to have the opportunity to work with Lime to create a bespoke training programme for London cyclists.
‘Thinks’ research around the behaviour and perceptions of cyclists will inform our course content to improve awareness and understanding of the highway code, which must be more widely communicated to all road users.
‘To get more people cycling safely and maximise the huge health, societal and environmental benefits that brings, we also need continued investment in separated cycle lanes, safer junctions, and the high quality infrastructure that enables more people to cycle.’
And Pete Dyson, a researcher at the University of Bath and that city’s ‘Bicycle Mayor’, said: ‘For cycling to grow safely and inclusively, we need more people to follow the rules.
‘Red light running is dangerous, illegal and risks undermining both public confidence and future investment in cycling.
‘This report goes beyond counting offences – it helps us understand who’s running red lights, why it happens and what can be done about it.