Boris Johnson reveals first Cycle Superhighways

The Barking to Tower Hill route will travel along the A13 via Poplar High Street, Narrow Street and Cable Street.

The mayor was cycling along Narrow Street with advisers last month when he escaped injury in a bizarre incident revealed on wharf.co.uk. A passing truck's doors swung open, caught on a car and flung it at the pack. No one was injured, but the incident was captured by private security cameras.

He revealed the trip was to scout out possible locations for the superhighways.

The South Wimbledon to Bank route will run along the A24, A3 and Southwark Bridge Road. Another ten routes are being developed ahead of 2012, each of which will be around 10 to 15km long. Consultation is ongoing with the 24 London boroughs which will feature on the routes.

Mr Johnson said: "I'm not kidding when I say that 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."

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor's director of transport policy, said: "Cycle Superhighways form a key part of the Mayor and Transport For London's target to increase cycling in London by 400 per cent by 2025, compared to 2000 levels.

"From cycling the proposed routes myself, and speaking to a whole range of cyclists, I'm sure that these routes will prove a hugely welcome addition to London's cycling infrastructure - giving many more people the confidence to ride."