The Mayor of London has announced plans to build a new cycle bridge that could open within three years.

The Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf bridge will be used as a cycle and pedestrian crossing as part of the London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s commitment to a greener London.

The bridge will link people south of the Thames to the East-West Cycle Superhighway and provide those north of the river improved access to planned cycle routes in Southwark.

Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly transport spokeswoman, welcomed the news.

She said: “I cannot think of any other proposed river crossing that will deliver such huge benefits for so little public money.”

The Mayor of London also announced improved plans for the Silvertown Tunnel and an extension on the DLR to Thamesmead.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs, said: “Tower Hamlets already has some excellent cycle infrastructure but crossing the river can be a nightmare, particularly for cyclists.

“This bridge will not only help relieve pressure on the Jubilee line, it will make it even easier for people to cycle in our great city.

“And it might provide some relief in Cable Street and Limehouse, where the volume of bikes sometimes causes nuisance for local residents.”