Transport for London (TfL) is investing £2.5m over the next year to boost the number of cycle parking spaces in a move to help more Londoners commute by bike.

The funding will be used to help encourage Londoners to cycle, including commuting

The investment comes after half of Londoners said lack of cycle parking is one of the main factors that deter them from cycling and a quarter are put off cycling by a fear of cycle theft.

Through working with London boroughs, Network Rail, rail operators, businesses and local communities, TfL will work to enable more people to commute to work by bike. This includes sharing evidence and best practice with businesses and exploring opportunities to reduce the complexity and costs of delivering cycle parking through a one-stop-shop procurement framework.

The funding will also be used to improve cycle parking outside stations and work with Network Rail to deliver cycle parking hubs and more space for Santander Cycles at rail termini.

TfL will also invest in new cycle parking across town centres, with eight town centres set to be improved over the coming year.

Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “To enable more people to cycle it is essential that we not only make our streets safer but also make cycling easier and more convenient. If people know there is good cycle parking at their local station or at their place of work, they are much more likely to use their bike.”