Proposals for an inter-capital cycle route have been revealed and could be ready in time for 2012 Olympics.

The plans for a cycle path stretching the 218 miles from London to Paris have been unveiled, according to a report on the Environmental Transport Association website.

British and French councils hope the route, which will largely consist of traffic-free tracks through Wandsworth, Croydon, Surrey and East Sussex before arriving at the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry crossing, will be in place in time for the 2012 Olympics.

Costs for the British side of the route are estimated to reach £30m, but European Union funding may be available for the track, which would include signs in both languages.

Sustrans, a sustainable transport charity, has recently called on schools to apply for £17m of funding to create cycle paths, which would give children safe routes to school.

Croydon Green Party member, Shasha Khan, said: “This is a novel idea and I would welcome any projects that encourage people to leave the car at home and get on their bike.

“I can see groups of friends and cycling clubs using the route and ultimately, this will mean more safe cycle routes in south-east England.

“The first cycle route was the Bristol to Bath railway path, which grew into the national cycle network, so why not connect a route from London to Paris, especially as there is likely to be pressure on our transport networks during the Olympics.”

A council spokesman said: “Croydon Council would whole-heartedly support this idea.

“It’s a perfect fit with the council’s sustainable transport plans and anything that tempts people into the saddle is a good thing.”