New cycle routes are set to be introduced in the borough as part of the Mayor of London’s Vision for Cycling programme.

Councillors approved plans to create new “Quietway” routes to encourage active travel among residents during a Cabinet meeting last Thursday.

This is a complementary initiative that seeks to create a network of cycling routes along existing lower-traffic back streets, parks and green spaces.

Cllr Ian Corbett, mayoral adviser for environment and leisure said: “We are committed to ensuring Newham is a safe place for cyclists and we welcome this additional funding from TfL (Transport for London) which will create new cycling routes on lightly trafficked streets and through parks.

“This investment will help improve connectivity throughout the borough by unlocking cycling trips that are currently deterred by a lack of decent cycling facilities.”

The idea behind the scheme is to provide routes for cyclists where they will not have to tackle physical barriers, difficult junctions, narrow paths and unnecessary diversions.

The first route, which will run from Aldgate to Hainault, proposes to run East-West through the Olympic Park and the northern part on the borough. Around £1.33 million of funding from TfL has been put aside for this route.

During the meeting cabinet members agreed to develop the scheme through to consultation.

The council has also earmarked further routes for the future, including a route from Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets to Barking Riverside through the Greenway.

However, Councillor Jo Laguda, representative for Plaistow North, questioned safety in the Greenway and asked whether it will be open for 24 hours.

She said: “I know that CCTV cameras are going to be installed in the Greenway for safety and we need to make sure that it remains safe when people are there.”

In February, 29-year-old Mantas Ziedavicius, was murdered in the Greenway close to Lonsdale Avenue in East Ham.