Transport for London (TfL) has approved the creation of four new cycle superhighways, described as “Crossrails for bikes”.

The new East-West, North-South, CS1 and extended CS5 routes will be constructed alongside a programme of upgrades to the existing superhighways, at a total cost of £160 million.

It is hoped that the segregated new superhighways will further improve the safety of cycling in London, and thus encourage more people to get on their bikes. According to London transport commissioner Sir Peter Hendy, 170,000 cycle journeys are made in the capital every day.

The mayor of London Boris Johnson, who has made the project a personal priority, expressed his delight at the progress. He said: “We know that Londoners want these routes and that they want them to be delivered to the high standard I promised, as quickly as possible. I will keep that promise and spades will begin hitting the ground next month.”