The Cycle Safety Action Plan aims to cut the number of cycling casualties on the capital’s roads while encouraging more Londoners to get on their bikes.

Transport for London also aims to boost cyclist confidence through training and providing new, safe cycle routes and facilities, including previously announced Cycle Superhighways and cycle hire.

Halfords Chief Executive David Wild believes the Cycle Safety Action Plan is a move in the right direction and applauded the initiative.

He said: “We build and sell over a million bikes a year, so certainly welcome any move to protect our customers.

“The number of cycle journeys on London's major roads has more than doubled over the last decade, while the number of cyclists killed or injured over the last same period has fallen by around a fifth. Hopefully this move will maintain that downward trend.

“Encouraging motorists to think about the needs of cyclists is of course vitally important but we must not forget that cyclists also have a role to play. Cyclists must ensure they can be clearly seen, wearing a helmet is a must and of course you must keep your bike in good working order."

The draft Cycle Safety Action Plan, which aims to increase the perception that cycling is a safe and attractive transport option, outlines how to promote cycle safety to all road users, including encouraging HGV operators to take cycle safety seriously.

The initiative coincides with the launch of a bicycle safety advertising campaign, which urges drivers to look out for cyclists.