Consultation on cycle superhighway extension plans

Plans to extend eastwards one of London's cycle superhighways have been sent out to public consultation.

Barclays Cycle Superhighway 2 in east London currently runs from Bow to Aldgate. The extension would take it about one mile (1.5km) to Stratford.

The plans include redesigns of bus stops to allow cyclists to pass buses more safely and 10 junction upgrades.

The consultation ends on 11 February and work could begin in spring this year.

'Huge improvements'

The extension would increase the cycle superhighway by about 3km (about 2 miles) - 1.5km in both directions - of which 2.4km would be completely segregated.

The lanes will cut into the pavement around some bus stops to allow cyclists to undertake stationary buses on the left, rather than overtaking them on the right and having to move into traffic.

Ben Plowden, from Transport for London (TfL), said: "This new extension will offer a more robust and intelligent design, adding huge improvements to the existing route."

Cycling casualties

According to TfL, 80% of people who use the superhighways say they improve safety for cyclists and the Barclays Cycle Superhighway 2 has seen a 28% increase in journeys in the last year.

But a report last year by the London Assembly's transport committee said the number of cycling casualties had risen by 50% between 2006 and 2011.

The proposed scheme extends the cycle lane from Bow roundabout, where two cyclists died last year.

There are currently four cycle superhighways with a fifth one currently being consulted on.

TfL has said it plans to open 12 cycle superhighway routes by 2015.