A Richmond cyclist has shone a light on the dangers of taking to two wheels with video footage of what might by Britain's narrowest cycle lane.

A Twitter video posted by @velostefan demonstrates how efforts to shoehorn cycling lanes into existing roads is, potentially, putting people at risk.

The footage demonstrates that trying to create protected cycle lane space on narrow roads is practically impossible in some circumstances.

The stretch featured in the footage is on Church Road in central Richmond as it passes over a bridge across the tracks just outside the rail station.

The Borough Council has accepted this cycle lane is a problem and it has drawn plans to make improvements as part of a wider £1million strategy to boost cycling and walking.

People responding to the video footage were shocked that the cycle is so narrow that it is effectively impossible to use safely..

One wrote: "I never, ever, cycle in that 'advisory' cycle lane over the railway bridge - it's far too narrow."

Another wrote: "It's a bridge so I can see how the carriageway as a whole can't easily be made wider. For me it just needs removing completely and a sign with 'do not pass cyclists' or similar."

Others emotively described narrow and unsafe cycle lanes as 'murder strips', while one said: "That's not a cycle lane, that's a death trap."

Tim Lennon, convenor of the Richmond Cycling Campaign, said: "It is indeed the Church Road shocker.

"We asked the council highways team what discussion went into repainting this, and it turns out there was nothing. No-one asked the active travel team, and it was just a resurfacing job.

"We know bits like this are really hard because of the narrow space, but there's no reason not to review guidance when doing these things.

"Church Road is part of a wider issue with crossing the train tracks - we'd like to see a wider traffic plan for the area which finds ways to cut traffic volumes, and make better routes for walking and cycling."

A Council spokesman said: "The Council has drawn up outline plans for over £1m of walking and cycling improvements in Richmond Town Centre which includes this section of road. This is subject to funding."