Mayor of London Boris Johnson has unveiled plans to create Europe's longest substantially-segregated urban cycleways in the capital.

Dubbed 'Crossrail for bikes', the project will involve cycle routes crossing the centre of London from east to west and north to south.

The east-west route will run from Barking to Acton, a distance of over 18 miles, while the north-south route will run for more than three miles from Elephant and Castle to King's Cross.

In addition, protected cycle routes are to be created through dangerous junctions, including Tower Hill, Blackfriars, Parliament Square and Lancaster Gate. 

Mr Johnson said: "Getting more people on to their bikes will reduce pressure on the road, bus and rail networks, cut pollution, and improve life for everyone, whether or not they cycle themselves."

A detailed public consultation is already underway, with work due to begin early next year and the routes scheduled to open in March 2016.