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The number of people cycling in London is equivalent to a fifth of the daily number of Tube passengers, according to new research.

Transport for London revealed the latest rise in cycle journeys as it set out its vision of 1.5 million daily bike trips by 2026, double the current rate.

In a challenge to the next Mayor, the report sets out TfL’s wish to “normalise” cycling as a “very cost-effective form of mass transit” at a time of falling Government investment and huge increases in the capital’s population.

The report, by TfL’s strategy director Ben Plowden, states: “Cycling is now a major mode of transport, with daily trips equating to 10 per cent of all bus passenger trips in London, or one fifth of all Tube passenger trips.

"This is just less than the number of trips on the DLR and Overground combined.”

TfL admits that the construction of the segregated cycle superhighways - particularly the East-West “Crossrail for bikes” route along the Victoria Embankment - has caused “impacts on other road users”. It says delays will reduce throughout the year as the schemes are completed.

New “cycle superhubs” are planned by 2018/19 for Waterloo station - where 8,000 bike parking spaces are needed - and at suburban stations.

Parking hubs at Hounslow West and North Greenwich are due to open next month, and at Tottenham Hale, Abbey Wood, Barking and Romford within the next three years.

Preliminary casualty data shows the number of major injuries suffered by cyclists in 2015 was broadly similar to the previous year.

Between January and July last year, 229 cyclists were seriously injured, compared to 419 for the whole of 2014. Eight cyclists died in vehicle collisions last year, the joint lowest figure in 30 years.

The Tour of Britain, the country’s premier road race, is to return to London on Sunday September 11 for its closing stages.

Roads will be closed as the world’s best professional riders race on a circuit around Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, Strand and Whitehall.