Images of Kingston as a future haven for cyclists have been released.
Kingston Council is bidding for a share of £100m from Mayor of London Boris Johnson's vision for cycling in the capital, and has drawn up plans that would see the borough become a bike-friendly hotspot similar to the Netherlands.
Ideas include building a cycling "superskyway" across the River Thames next to Kingston Bridge, as well as a 700m pontoon-style cycle path along the town's riverfront, from Anglers Green to Thameside.
There are also plans for a traffic-free plaza outside Kingston rail station, and cycle "superhubs" at Kingston and Surbiton stations for up to 6,500 bikes.
The Fountain roundabout in New Malden could also be turned into a Dutch-style intersection seperating cars and bikes.
The plans are part of the council's vision to turn the borough's town centres into so-called "mini Hollands", where cycling is one of the easiest and most accessible modes of transport.
An artist's impression of the cycle path along Kingston's riverfront
Councillor Simon James, lead member for transport, said: “Our plans are designed to make cycling more convenient, better connected and safer.
"We want to make cycling an everyday transport choice for people in Kingston, just as it is in the Netherlands. “We’re proposing an exciting mix of iconic schemes and high-quality infrastructure as well as expanding our successful cycle training programmes and partnerships with schools, workplaces, and other organisations to create a strong cycling culture.
“We want Kingston to be a top destination for cyclists and for more people to enjoy the health, social, economic and environmental benefits of cycling.”
Kingston has one of the highest rates of cycling in London, and the town's love of bikes has only been enhanced since last year's Olympic Games, when Sir Bradley Wiggins rode through the borough on his way to a gold medal.
This weekend, the town will cheer on up to 70,000 cyclists through the streets during the inaugural RideLondon festival.
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