London mayor Boris Johnson has joined forces with Transport for London (TfL) to launch a major new strategy designed to improve the safety of the capital's cyclists.

Coinciding with the launch of a new cycle safety advertising campaign on television and in cinemas, the Cycle Safety Action Plan has set out the types of collision most likely to result in serious cycling accidents. Delivered in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, London boroughs, the freight industry and safety campaign groups, the strategy incorporates a range of measures designed to reduce cycling fatalities.

Safer infrastructure for cyclists, strengthening criminal justice procedures for dealing with cyclist deaths and injuries and research into the potential of enabling cyclists to turn left on red lights are among the measures. Johnson said: "The arrival of spring in London is now accompanied by a glorious cornucopia of cyclists taking to the streets in a purposeful display of pedal power.

"I want each and every one of those people to be as safe as possible, and for thousands more to join them, which is why we are working in every conceivable way to give Londoners the road awareness, infrastructure, and statutory support to stay safe."