Cyclists have been assured that Enfield’s 'Mini Holland' bid will deliver safer routes.

Interested parties gathered on Tuesday to discuss final tweaks to the bid, coinciding with a death on Cycle Superhighway 2 in east London that highlighted the issue of rider security in the capital.

The death of 62-year-old Brian Holt led Enfield Borough Council to become more determined to receive part of the Mayor of London’s £100million cycling prize pot, with the issue of segregated highways topping many cyclists’ demands.

Councillor Derek Levy said: “One of the major advantages with our proposed highway is that we have already factored in segregation. Enfield is not Mile End Road, we have the plans in place for segregation.

“Education is also extremely important, it is about teaching people how to be safe and not to be scared of using a bike.”

If the bid is successful, the proposed Enfield superhighway will span the whole borough, from the M25 into Haringey along the A1010.

Local cycling experts believe they have a key role to play in ensuring safer cycling and installing rider confidence.

Dave Skinner, 59, co-founder of Edmonton Cycling Club, said: “Everybody is a bit nervous the first time they get on a bike, whether it be fear of falling off or punctures. Going out with experienced people can really make a difference. We can cater for all riders and teach them how to be safe."

Mr Skinner also highlighted the problem of vandalism to bikes and how this can put potential riders off.

He added: “This has been a problem in Holland as well. People have to know that their bike is going to be there when they come back.

“We need dramatic improvements to the culture of parking in Enfield.”

Special cycle hubs are being proposed, which will act as safe lock ups for bikes along major cycling routes, though Mr Skinner would like to see more places hold bikes in storage under supervision.

Dr Bike sessions are also running presently, helping cyclists maintain their bikes to a safe standard.

Education of motorists also has a vital role to play in creating safer cycling, with the accident on CS2 involving a tipper truck. Later on Tuesday another collision between a cyclist and a coach in Holborn left a man with serious head injuries.

Councillor Chris Bond, Enfield Council's cabinet member for environment, said: “We do a lot of training for our drivers, dust carts for example, and make sure they look out for cyclists. We will be encouraging businesses to do the same. This is a two-way process.”

The meeting saw borough-wide representation and a variety of parties including the police, Transport for London, teachers, cyclists and potential cyclists all contribute to discussions.

Cllr Bond added: “I went in with trepidation but I was really pleased, it went better than I thought. People have taken to the grand scale ideas we are proposing.

“We are going to make a video montage of cycling in Enfield, including interviews with residents, to send off with our bid. We have also given out loads of badges for people to show their support.”

The bid is to be sent off on December 13.