Cyclists on busy routes in London will be given longer green phases at traffic lights - by cameras that will detect the number of cyclists along a cycle route using their body heat.

The technology, which relies on thermal imaging cameras, hopes to smooth the flow of traffic in the capital and encourage people to turn to pedal power.

If there is a large group of cyclists waiting at a junction, it will extend the red light phase for traffic in other directions.

It will monitor the number of cyclists by only logging shapes on a cycle route moving towards traffic lights, to rule out pedestrians and riders in the opposite direction.

Radar and thermal detection will estimate number of cyclists at junctions - if there are lots waiting, it will give them an extended green light phase and halt traffic in the other direction

Details on the number of bikes needed to change the timings or the amount of time they will be given will be decided later in the trial.

Cable Street, in London's East End and Cycle Superhighway 3, from Barking to Tower Gateway, will be the first trial locations.

CYCLE DEATHS ON LONDON ROADS 2011: 16 deaths 2012: 14 deaths 2013: 14 deaths 2014: 13 deaths 2015: 6 deaths Advertisement

The trial includes the installation of a radar detection in the cycle superhighway, which is being tested as an alternative.

It is hoped the system will be fully operational by next year.

This follows the introduction last year of 'intelligent pedestrian crossings' that detect when groups of people are waiting to cross.

Glynn Barton, who is running the traffic light cycle project, said the pilot should help make traffic lights more responsive for cyclists.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'Once again London leads the way as we host world-first trials of technology that has the potential to bring significant benefits to cyclists.'

Details on the number of bikes needed to change the timings or the amount of time they will be given will be decided later in the trial

It comes as new figures show more people are cycling in London that ever before.

The statistics from Transport for London said 432 cyclists were seriously injured or killed on the roads - the lowest level since records began.

The total number of cycling journeys rose by 5 per cent to 610,000 a day - 23 million a year.

Last year was also the safest year on record. Thirteen cyclists were killed last year, and 14 died in 2013 and 2012.

This year there has been six fatal cyclist accidents, all involving lorries.

Physiotherapist Esther Hartsilver, 32, died in hospital after being hit by a lorry in Denmark Hill last Thursday while cycling to work at Kings College Hospital.

In April, renowned designer Moira Gemmill, 55, who was overseeing renovations at Windsor Castle, was killed in an accident near Lambeth Bridge.