London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, has given the green light to a North-South Cycle Superhighway to King’s Cross.

Once complete the full North-South route, also known as Cycle Superhighway 6 (CS6), will provide a route for cyclists across central London between Elephant and Castle and King’s Cross.

At 5km in total, the route will be either fully separated from traffic, or run down back streets.

At its northern end, the route will connect both with the planned Quietway 2, and Central London Grid routes, allowing cyclists to travel to Hackney, Walthamstow, Camden and Swiss Cottage.

Khan said: “We must make it safer and easier for all Londoners to cycle. It can have major benefits for our health, and making cycling part of people’s everyday lives will also help clean up London’s toxic air.

“The extension of the North-South Cycle Superhighway will make a big difference joining up existing and planned safe cycle routes in this part of London, and make cycling a safe and practical option for thousands more Londoners.”

Construction will start in spring 2017.