PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the determinants of cycling among young people, and the impacts of the pandemic on the changes in their cycling behaviour and perceptions. Using a sample of university students in London, this study investigates which factors are more important to young people's cycling and the extent to which this epidemic influences their cycling behaviour and perceptions of the importance of cycling factors in the context of the new norms.ResultsThe most important determinants of young people's cycling are weather, trip distance, season and climate, infrastructure, topography, and perceived safety. Comparing with the pre-pandemic period, Young people are using public transport less and cycling more. Although their average cycling frequency increases after the pandemic, most still never cycle due to the lack of safe cycle lanes and available bike-sharing facilities. Young people also cycle more for commuting and transport purposes and less for recreation and sports. By comparing the changes in their perceived importance of cycling factors, only cycling purpose, perceived benefits of cycling, perceived risks of virus infection and cycling behaviour of friends and family show a significant change. However their focus on virus protection diminishes as the pandemic becomes more normalised.ConclusionThe pandemic is an opportunity for young people to cycle, and early actions need to be taken. The attention to weather, trip distance, season and climate, infrastructure, topography, and perceived safety should be strengthened in future research and transport planning. To build safe, trafficseparated, school-linked cycling paths and bike-sharing facilities in London is crucial to promote cycling among young people. The results of this study may have implications for cycling planning in the post-epidemic era or the new normal.