Danger routes for cyclists

The A3, which runs from London Bridge along Borough High Street to Wimbledon Common and beyond, is the riskiest road, with 744 recorded accidents, while the A23, including Kennington Road and Streatham High Road, claimed 623 casualties.

Although the number of cyclists injured has fallen, campaigners say the figures prove there is still a need for major investment in road safety, as demanded by the Evening Standard's Safer Cycling campaign. On average, more than one London rider is involved in a serious accident every day.

Charlie Lloyd of the London Cycling Campaign said: "Our priority is to lobby for a 20mph speed limit on all London roads. We want to make London a world class cycling city and we need safer roads to do so."

Boris Johnson, Conservative mayoral candidate, called the findings "astonishing", adding: "We need more people to feel confident enough to leave their cars at home and get on a bike." Sian Berry, the Green Party mayoral candidate, said: "There's obvious things we need more of, like advance stop lines at traffic lights, but they need enforcing by police. Cutting speeds would make the roads a lot safer for everyone." Ken Livingstone was unavailable for comment.

The statistics, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, also show:

156 cyclists have been killed in the capital over 10 years. Twelve died in 1997, while 19 were killed in 2006.

The number involved in serious accidents fell from 566 in 1997 to 373 in 2006.

The number of "slight" accidents fell from 3,852 in 1996 to 2,566 in 2006.

TfL says the number of cyclists has increased by more than 80 per cent since

2000. At least 480,000 bike journeys are made in the capital every day.

A spokesman said it was working with boroughs and the Department for Transport to make it easier for highway authorities to provide for higher levels of cycling.

Today's data relates to all London's roads, whether they are managed by TfL or councils.