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Huge surge in bike crashes after Tube strikes clog up London's roads

Bike usage spiked as commuters sought alternative routes to work

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A lot of commuters have switched to cycling to work due to RMT tube strikes.
A lot of commuters have switched to cycling to work due to RMT tube strikes. Picture: Getty

By Alice Padgett

Cycling accidents in London rocketed by 50% during this week's Tube strikes.

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The London Ambulance Service reported a huge increase in the number of bike crashes on London roads.

Bike usage spiked in the capital this week as commuters sought alternative ways to get around the city while RMT strikes left multiple Tube services suspended.

London cycling commissioner Will Norman reported around two million bike trips on Monday, the first day of the strikes.

Usually 1.4 million trips are made by bike on regular weekdays.

Read More: How much do striking Tube staff earn?

Lime bike rider cycling down Bishopsgate in the City of London.
Lime bike rider cycling down Bishopsgate in the City of London. Picture: Alamy

The ambulance service revealed a 44% increase in bike collision incidents in London compared to last year's data, according to The Times.

E-bike provider Lime revealed a 50% jump in trips during rush hour traffic on Monday and Tuesday.

Tube services returned to normal by late morning on Friday after the strikes caused huge disruption all week.

Lime bike rider with headphones,  large backpack and no crash helmet rides at speed down Bishopsgate.
Lime bike rider with headphones, large backpack and no crash helmet rides at speed down Bishopsgate. Picture: Alamy

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) walked out, leading to services being crippled since Monday, with few underground trains running.

An RMT source said of the talks invitation: “This is a step in the right direction from TfL (Transport for London) and has only occurred due to the industrial pressure from RMT members this week.”