Londoners rediscover bicycles as Tube strike bites

Londoners turned to bicycles and working from home as a strike on the London Underground caused widespread delays, station closures, and disrupted morning commutes on Wednesday (April 22). The industrial action over working hours is set to continue with another 24-hour stoppage on Thursday (April 23).

Yann Tessier/Reuters

22 April 2026 at 09:39:08

A woman rides her bicycle past Buckingham Palace during the annual Tweed Run across London, Britain, April 18, 2026.

Hannah McKay/Reuters

Londoners rediscovered their bicycles on a sunny spring morning on Wednesday (April 22) as a strike on the captial’s Underground forced delayed opening of some stations and the closure of others.

Hire bikes were in particular demand as commuters sought alternative means of transportation, although many opted to work from home.

The strike, over working hours, forced the closure of some lines and severe delays throughout the network. The stoppage was due to end on Wednesday midday, before resuming for a further 24 hours on Thursday (April 23).

-Yann Tessier/Reuters