There’s a quiet revolution happening on our city streets. Transport for London are doubling down on 20 mph zones – not to slow us down for the sake of it, but to keep all road users, especially riders, safe and moving smarter.

Speed: What the Data Really Says

The story’s simple and global: the faster you’re going, the bigger the risk. Higher speeds slash reaction times, raise the odds of a crash, and make injuries far more severe when things go wrong.

For car drivers, most minor collisions end in bent metal and an irritated insurance call. For bikers, even a low‑speed hit can mean a hospital stay, rehab – or worse.

That’s why a recent study on London’s 20 mph zones is such a wake‑up call. The results?

• 40% fewer people killed on 20 mph roads
• 34% drop in those killed or seriously injured
• 35% reduction in collisions overall

Compare that to just a 7% reduction in road deaths city‑wide, and the difference speaks for itself.

The View from the Saddle

Among riders, opinions on 20 mph limits can be, let’s say… spirited. But those who ride these routes daily tend to be the biggest advocates. The truth is, lower speeds work for us, not against us.

At junctions – the number‑one danger zone for bikers – that extra second or two to spot a turning van or distracted driver can mean the difference between a clean ride and a write‑off.
Slower zones don’t just buy us time; they give other road users a better chance to see us before pulling out.

Better for Traffic, Better for Everyone

It’s not all about safety. 20 mph zones are proving kinder to the environment and to traffic flow. With fewer harsh accelerations and sudden stops, roads move in a smoother rhythm.

For riders, that consistency means easier filtering, less stop‑start frustration, and better fuel efficiency. It’s a calmer, more predictable ride – and that’s something every urban motorcyclist can appreciate.

An Unexpected Bonus: Cheaper Insurance

Here’s a perk that might surprise you: residents in 20 mph areas are seeing lower insurance premiums. Fewer collisions linked to local postcodes mean insurers adjust the risk – and pass on the savings. Not a bad payoff for easing off the throttle a bit.

So What’s the Takeaway?

20 mph zones aren’t about clipping the wings of city riders; they’re about keeping us in the saddle longer. Slower streets mean fewer broken bikes, fewer broken bodies, and a smoother ride for everyone sharing the road.

So next time you roll through a 20 zone, take your time. There’s real freedom in riding smart.