The two pilot routes, which will be up and running in May 2010, are from South Wimbledon to Bank via the A24 and A3, and Barking to Tower Hill via the A13 and Cable Street.

Boris Johnson, mayor of London, and Transport for London are consulting closely with the eight boroughs the routes will run through.

The aim of the cycle superhighways is to provide safe, direct and continuous routes into central London from the outer boroughs, making life easier for cyclists and encouraging those who travel into work by other modes of transport to commute by bike, helping to cut congestion, relieve overcrowding and cutting emissions.

Another ten routes, spanning across London and greatly improving the capital’s cycling infrastructure, are being developed ahead of 2012, with each route covering between ten and 15kilometres.

Mr Johnson said: “I’m not kidding when I say I’m militant about cycling, and these Superhighways are central to the cycling revolution I’m determined to bring about.

“No longer will pedal power have to dance and dodge around petrol power – on these routes the bicycle will dominate and that will be clear to all others using them.

“That should transform the experience of cycling – boosting safety and confidence of everyone using the routes and reinforcing my view that the bike is the best way to travel in this wonderful city of ours.”

Each route will be given its own identity with consistent and easy to follow road markings and signs.

Luke Walsh

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