Cycling to work has become a mainstay method of commuting. In 2021, 5.1% of people in London cycled to work.
And the number of Londoners cycling in total far outweighs those cycling to commute. According to TFL, the number of people cycling on weekends has risen by up to 200%.
It seems the pandemic is behind this rise in the past couple of years, as people sought safer ways to travel. But what started as a health concern has now stuck, and Londoners are cycling to work more than ever.
Businesses need to pay close attention to this increase. The gap between those cycling to work and those who cycle for pleasure in London suggests we can all do more to support these employees, and that starts with an accommodating office space.
How has London made cycling to work easier?
London has been readily embracing the cycling revolution. There is an expanding network of cycle lanes in the city, with TFL launching 10 new cycleways in the city in 2023 alone.
The initiative expands the walking and cycling infrastructure and brings the number of Londoners within 400m of a high-quality cycle route to over 550,000, contributing to the Mayor’s target of 40% accessibility by 2030.
The city’s network of 12,000 Santander bicycles for hire means commuters don’t need their own bike to travel, either. For those considering ownership, many companies offer cycle-to-work schemes as an employee benefit to help with repayments and encourage a more active lifestyle.
In short, London is ready and waiting for its cycling-to-work revolution.
Benefits of choosing offices in London for cyclists
Many benefits can be enjoyed by businesses by ensuring the office offers convenient and direct access to cycling routes:
● Improved employee health and wellbeing: Cycling to work brings a range of health benefits like improved heart health, increased fitness, and better mental health through being active.
● Reduced carbon footprint: Your business’s carbon footprint is measured through factors like employee commutes. The more employees who can cycle to work, the lower a business’s carbon footprint will be.
● Attract and retain a diverse talent pool: As the number of cyclist commuters increases, so too does the need to accommodate their needs. Offering convenient facilities will allow businesses to continue to attract top talent.
● Increased employee productivity: Happy employees are productive employees. As employees look for more active lifestyles and more environmentally conscious businesses, it pays to align your business with their values for a productive team.
● Employees' values and needs are supported: Between either not wanting a car or not being able to afford one, offering things like bike storage ensures that employees’ choices feel supported and valued.
● Affordable commuting option: As inflation spikes and train and tube fares only continue to rise, cycling provides a much-needed alternative when combined with cycle-to-work schemes.
London's best areas for cyclists
Certain areas in London are known for their excellent cycling conditions, whether that’s through low traffic, beautiful scenery, or convenient and safe cycle lanes. Here are just some of London’s most cycle-friendly areas.
● Hackney: Hackney’s central location and easily accessible cycle lanes make it a perfect location for London office space for cyclists. In fact, in 2021 Hackney was recognised as the most popular borough for cyclists.
● Victoria: Victoria is right in the heart of London, which means cyclists can reach it coming from North, South, West, or East with relative ease. It’s also home to many flexible workspaces, making it perfect for offices for cyclists.
● King’s Cross: King’s Cross is a dependable choice for those cycling to work. The streets are designed to be safer for bikes and there is plenty of on-street cycle parking, and the canal has excellent cycling routes, too.
● Shoreditch: Shoreditch’s abundance of cafes and hidden gems make it a great place to cycle. It’s currently undergoing major works to make it a more cycle-friendly area, which has started with the Old Street roundabout.
● Vauxhall: Vauxhall is an epicentre of business in London, within Victoria and Waterloo stations, which means cycling here can be a great way to get around. Some even combine their cycle with the train if coming from further afield.
● Southwark: Southwark and TFL have been busy adding Quietways to their maps to become more cycle-friendly. This effort will increase the number of cycle lanes in quieter areas, making it perfect for a cycle to and from work.
● Hammersmith: Hammersmith’s strategy to make its roads safer for cyclists and encourage more people to cycle to work is an ongoing local success. This has led to the installation of cycle lanes and bike storage areas across Hammersmith to encourage more people to cycle.
● Paddington: Paddington has a healthy array of Santander bicycles in the surrounding area and many offices in this area cater for cyclists with onsite showers. Its central location enables commuters to cycle to work whether coming from home in London or cycling from the train station.
● Old Street: Similar to Shoreditch, Old Street is currently undergoing a revitalisation of its cycling routes. Already a hub for tech businesses, Old Street is only set to attract more businesses with its investment in greener, healthier cycle routes.
● Notting Hill: While not known for its cycling, Notting Hill is filled with parks, cafes, gyms and more, all within a short ride from premier office space. This combination makes it an excellent choice for offices for cyclists.
● Waterloo: Home to over 700 cycle routes, Waterloo is the perfect location for an office space for cyclists. Its central location means it’s easy to reach, and it's home to hundreds of offices offering cycle-friendly facilities.
● Stratford: Complete with segregated cycle lanes, Stratford offers easy access into central London and is adjacent to Hackney, London’s most active cycle area and home to much of London’s professional talent.
● Clerkenwell: Home to one of the most heavily cycled routes in London, Clerkenwell has undertaken a study into how cycle facilities can be safely implemented on this corridor and to address the impacts of traffic and is busy implementing improvements already.
London bike-friendly office spaces
The rise of cycling to work in the past few years in London has shifted the office space landscape. Today, it’s becoming increasingly important to offer spaces for bike storage and showers.
If you’re on the lookout for London office space for cyclists, this list breaks down some of the best spaces in the most desirable locations.
Covent Garden, St Martin's Lane
Centrally located, St Martin’s Lane offers an excellent professional environment for businesses of all sizes to thrive in. There are few locations quite like this, with London’s most attractive hotspots right on its doorstep and a wide array of food and drink choices nearby.
Host clients with ease in this elegantly designed open space set across five floors and 31,828 sq ft of space. This London office space’s complementary bike storage makes it a great choice for professionals who cycle to work.
Highlights include
● Showers
● Secure underground parking
● Disabled facilities
Information about St Martin’s Lane
● Location: 60 St Martins Lane, London, WC2N 4JS
● Starting cost: Private offices from £335 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members. Membership access is only during business hours
● Nearby stations: Leicester Underground Station (a one-minute walk away), Covent Garden Underground Station (a five-minute walk away), and Piccadilly Circus Underground Station (a four-minute walk away)
Shoreditch
Epworth House boasts excellent amenities and ample natural light. This building was built with flexible working in mind, offering breakout and coworking spaces, spacious meeting rooms, and high-speed Wi-Fi as standard. It is also near several local parks for when you need a change of scenery.
With a proximity to the Old Street roundabout, this office is ideal for technology companies. Centrally located in a cycling hotspot, the on-site bicycle storage will be a useful addition for any cycling employees making their way to your new office space in London.
Highlights include
● On-site sandwich/coffee bar
● Bicycle storage
● Elevator
Information about Shoreditch
● Location: 25 City Road, London, EC1Y 1AA
● Starting cost: Private offices from £265 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members. Membership access is only during business hours
● Nearby stations: Old Street Underground Station (a six-minute walk away) and Moorgate Underground Station (an eight-minute walk away)
Old Street
The stunning 27-storey 167 City Road business centre comes with floor-to-wall ceilings, bathing the offices in plenty of natural daylight. There’s plenty of space for entertaining clients, both inside the office with lounge and breakout rooms, and outside with Shoreditch at your disposal.
Work, socialise, and then explore nearby Shoreditch and its array of restaurants, bars, and cafes. 167 City Road is also complemented by on-site showers and bicycle storage. This means you can ensure your cycling employees have everything they need to be productive and satisfied.
Highlights include
● 24-hour CCTV monitoring
● Shows
● Collaborative break-out areas
Information about Old Street
● Location: 167 City Road, London, EC1V 1AW
● Starting cost: Private offices from £239 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members. Membership access is only during business hours
● Nearby stations: Old Street Underground Station (a three-minute walk away) and Moorfields Eye Hospital Bus Station (a one-minute walk away)
City Point
City Point is an excellent office space right in the city centre. City Point’s entrance is set under a stunning arch and towers over the surrounding area, offering excellent views and a truly memorable work location.
When you need to take a break and get away from your desk, the building also offers a gym and fitness room, lounge area, and vending machines. Bicycle storage is available for your employees and the surrounding area makes for a relaxing ride around once the workday is over.
Highlights include
● On-site sandwich/coffee bar
● On-site dry cleaning
● Gym and fitness room
Information about City Point
● Location: 1 Ropemaker Street, London, EC2Y 9HT
● Starting cost: Private offices from £375 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members. Membership access is only during business hours
● Nearby stations: Moorgate Underground Station (a two-minute walk away) and Liverpool Street Underground and Train Station (a six-minute walk away)
Farringdon
77 Farringdon Roadis an ideal office for cyclists. Set over seven floors and complete with no fewer than two outdoor terraces, Farringdon Road is the place where businesses come to inspire and motivate their employees.
The area is known for its design studios and creative agencies, so this is an ideal location for businesses of that size and industry.
There’s no shortage of entertainment and interest to be had in the local area. Once the day is over, get on your bike and enjoy must-visit venues including the English Touring Opera House and Museum of the Order of Saint John.
Highlights include
● Collaborative break-out areas
● Disabled facilities
● Showers
Information about Farringdon
● Location: 77 Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3JU
● Starting cost: Private offices from £369 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members. Membership access is only during business hours
● Nearby stations: Farringdon Underground and Train Station (a two-minute walk away) and Chancery Lane Underground Station (a five-minute walk away)
Canary Wharf, Cabot Square
The Cabot sits at the heart of Canary Wharf, making it a dominant space for an office. The staff is friendly, the Wi-Fi is fast, and some of the world’s biggest businesses are in the surrounding buildings.
While the building’s amenities are excellent, it’s the surrounding area that makes this one of London’s premier offices. 20 acres of landscaped parks, fountains, and tree-lined plazas are yours to explore. There are hundreds of shops and restaurants. The transport links, particularly with the arrival of the Elizabeth Line, are excellent.
All of this makes The Cabot an excellent location for cycle enthusiasts, and on-site bike storage makes for a painless commute.
Highlights include
● Disabled facilities
● Bicycle storage
● Showers
Information about Cabot Square
● Location: 25 Cabot Square, London, E14 4QZ
● Starting cost: Private offices from £435 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members. Membership access is only during business hours
● Nearby stations: Canary Wharf Underground Station (a two-minute walk away) and Canary Wharf Elizabeth Line Station (a two-minute walk away)
Hammersmith The Foundry
The Foundry doesn’t blend into the background. At four storeys, this office space for cyclists in Hammersmith is a recently redeveloped gem. It’s also one of the few offices in London to boast its very own free squash court.
Easy to get to and quick to please, The Foundry has on-site bike storage and nearby cycle lanes, making this a good choice for those looking for White City office space. It’s also moments from Hammersmith underground station with strong links to Heathrow.
Highlights include
● On-site lunch restaurant
● Showers
● Outside seating area/terrace
Information about The Foundry
● Location: 77 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8AF
● Starting cost: Private offices from £325 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members. Membership access is only during business hours
● Nearby stations: Hammersmith Underground Station (a five-minute walk away) and Barons Court Underground Station (an eight-minute walk away)
Vauxhall
Vintage House is ideally placed on the Albert Embankment, close to several architectural firms. If views are of interest to you, then this is an ideal space to set up your business.
This office’s modern design is elegantly simple in its execution, with open spaces and light, airy meeting rooms and breakout spaces. Like many of the offices on this list, it caters well to cyclists with shower and bicycle storage facilities.
And of course, Vauxhall’s central location makes it easy to access via train or car for those employees not on two wheels.
Highlights include
● Collaborative break-out areas
● Showers
● Elevator
Information about Vauxhall
● Location: 37 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TL
● Starting cost: Private offices from £175 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members. Membership access is only during business hours
● Nearby stations: Vauxhall Underground and Train Station (a six-minute walk away) and Pimlico Underground Station (a 15-minute walk away)
Victoria Grosvenor Gardens
Victoria Grosvenor Gardens is blessed with beautiful gardens and an excellent location. These offices offer beautiful exposed brick and high ceilings, making them a good match for creative or architectural businesses looking to inspire their employees.
Step into the local parks after work, or take your bike for a ride. Knightsbridge and Belgravia are at your disposal, complete with fine dining, easy eats, and great spots for a quick lunch.
This location also offers bicycle storage to help you cater to cyclists, but its connectivity ensures many different commuter routes.
Highlights include
● Airport access location
● Disabled facilities
● Business lounge
Information about Victoria Grosvenor Gardens
● Location: 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W 0AU
● Starting cost: Private offices from £445 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members. Membership access is only during business hours
● Nearby stations: Victoria Underground and Train Station (a one-minute walk away) and St James Park Underground Station (an 11-minute walk away)
Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station is now home to The Engine Room. Following a major redevelopment, this part of Battersea is as stunning as it is inspiring. Ascend through the heart of Battersea Power Station and take your place in the beating heart of London’s industry.
Sleek modern design and exceptional space combine to form The Engine Room. With a shopping mall at your doorstep and regular events by the riverside, this office is more of a destination than a place to simply work.
Major transport links and bicycle storage make this a must-have for anyone looking to level up their office space in London.
Highlights include
● Business park location
● Collaborative break-out areas
● On-site sandwich/coffee bar
Information about Battersea Power Station
● Location: 18 The Power Station, London, SW11 8BZ
● Starting cost: Private offices from £505 per person per month
● Opening hours: 24-hour access for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members. Membership access is only during business hours
● Nearby stations: Battersea Power Station Underground Station (a three-minute walk away) and Battersea Park Train Station (an eight-minute walk away)
Find an office space in London that's perfect for cyclists with Regus
At Regus, we understand that your teams will have multiple needs, different things that drive them, which inspire them, and which get them to the office.
Our offices cater to a range of specific needs. As the workplace evolves, we’re constantly looking for ways to improve our locations to accommodate for the future of work.
If you’re interested in relocating, get in touch with us today.
