A new study reveals 52% of all London cyclists run red lights, with 16% admitting to doing so regularly – citing inadequate infrastructure and a perceived lack of consequences as their rationale.
These findings come from a new behavioural insights study commissioned by Lime and conducted by Thinks Insight & Strategy, which combined a survey of over 1,000 city cyclists across the UK, with in depth focus groups held in London. It comes as cycling hits record levels in the capital with 1.33 million daily journeys recorded per day in London during 2024.1
Despite the frequency of red light running, over four in five (82%) cyclists recognise that the behaviour is dangerous. Three quarters (74%) believe fewer accidents would occur if red light running was reduced.
In response, Lime is launching a targeted ‘Respect the Red’ cycle safety and education campaign in July to help tackle red-light running. Safety messages are appearing in high-traffic cycling hotspots and key junctions around the capital to encourage behaviour change, and remind cyclists that it’s illegal to run red lights. Lime is also developing a new cycle training programme with Cycling UK to help educate cyclists on safe cycling later this Summer.
The campaign forms part of Lime’s London Action Plan launched earlier this year, which includes a series of commitments to help improve e-bike parking, encourage cycle safety and boost cycling rates across the capital in 2025.
Regular cyclists account for most red light violations
Despite assumptions that inexperienced cyclists might be more likely to run red lights, the study found that it is most acute among regular cyclists, with 58% of those who cycle daily admitting to running red lights, compared with 43% of those who cycle monthly.
In fact, the report’s data estimates that the top 10% most regular cyclists account for 66% of all red light violations, indicating the behaviour is most concentrated among a small group of habitual cyclists.
Red-light running is most common on commutes, with 36% of cyclists saying they’re more likely to do so when travelling to work or study.
More than one in ten red light runners were unaware it’s illegal
The behavioural research explored the reasons behind red-light running. Road design came out on top, with three in four cyclists supporting more protected cycle lanes (78%) and a similar number wanting more dedicated traffic lights for bikes (74%).
More than one in ten (13%) red light runners said they were unaware it was illegal, demonstrating room for better education, as well as enforcement, to drive greater awareness and personal responsibility among cyclists. This is backed up by nearly three quarters (71%) of London cyclists agreeing harsher fines and sentences are needed for any red light violations.
A three-part plan to curb red light running and improve cyclist safety
Based on its findings, the report sets out a three-pronged approach:
1. Infrastructure improvements and policy innovation
The report proposes London’s cycling community work together with local boroughs and Transport for London (TfL) to inform and accelerate improvements to cycling infrastructure and road design. This includes shared e-bike operators sharing popular route data to identify priority junctions and locations to trial innovations or reforms.
Recommendations for improved road designs include better visibility at junctions and expanded use of cyclist-specific road signals. Also, experimentation with technological advancements, such as ‘green wave’ tech, which times green traffic lights to match cyclists’ speed – rather than cars – on popular bike routes.
2. Stronger enforcement
This report recommends more proportionate, visible enforcement to drive greater personal responsibility. It highlights the work and progress of the City of London’s Cycle Response Unit as a potential standard, which has issued over 1,000 fixed penalty notices since launching just under a year ago.2
3. Increased education
The report suggests a mix of safety education initiatives including better signage at busy junctions and cycling safety training, to better communicate both the potential dangers and legal consequences of red-light running.
Hal Stevenson, Director of Policy UK & Ireland, Lime:
“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.
“We’re also working with councils to act on these findings – exploring how sharing route data could help target improvements and enforcement.”
Tom Sleigh, Chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee:
“Cycling in the City is booming – with a 70% increase in just two years – and that’s something we welcome. But 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 antisocial.
“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. Lime stepping up to the plate shows what good partnership looks like – operators, police and the City working together to make our streets safer for everyone on foot, on wheels, and behind the handlebars.”
James Scott, Director of Behaviour Change and Development at Cycling UK:
“Safer road users is a key part of a safe systems approach towards reducing casualties on our roads, so we’re excited to have the opportunity to work with Lime to create a bespoke training programme for London cyclists. Thinks’ research around the behavior 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, something Cycling UK is calling for as part of our My ride, Our right campaign. But safer road infrastructure is also a vital part of an integrated safe systems approach. 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.”