The sustainable transport charity Sustrans has criticised the focus on cycle hire rather than extending cycle use in Mayor Johnson's plans to expand his London bike hire scheme. "Plans to boost cycling in 13 outer boroughs appear to have been put to one side in favour of the high-profile and city centre cycle hire," a spokesman for the charity said.

"Assigning money to the boroughs would mean that each borough could spend their share on the cycling improvements that would have the biggest impact locally."

However, Kulveer Ranger, the London mayor's transport advisor, said Boris Johnson "has always said that if the scheme was a success he would be keen to see it expanded".

TfL provided the inevitable justification: "Expansion could include extending the scheme to the east of London in time for the Olympics...."