Havering could become a “mini-Holland” if it wins a share of a £100million cycling fund being made available by London Mayor Boris Johnson.

Up to four outer boroughs will be chosen for substantial investment, with high spending concentrated on a relatively small area for a “genuinely transformational impact”, the mayor’s office said this week.

It is hoped successful boroughs will become as cycle-friendly as their Dutch equivalents – places that towns and cities all over Britain will want to copy.

City Hall and TfL have written to all 20 outer London boroughs inviting them to apply for the scheme.

Mr Johnson said: “This will go beyond anything seen in the UK before.

“It could amount to a complete transport makeover of the successful boroughs – benefiting everybody in them, not just cyclists – and we expect councils all over London will see the huge potential to make significant improvements using this funding.”