Cycle Fridays cost £68 per participant

The Mayor's Cycle Fridays scheme was a costly flop, it was claimed today.

The "guided cycles" were aimed at encouraging novices to commute by bike but figures released show that in some instances only two people turned up.

Boris Johnson was forced to admit that the scheme was so low-key that even his wife was not aware of it.

The series of Fridays, from 14 August to 2 October, cost £30,000, meaning that £68.80 was spent to attract each cyclist who turned up.

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor's Transport Advisor, said: "Cycle Fridays, which were never intended to be mass events like Skyride, built confidence and allowed the hundreds who took part to pick up tips from experienced riders that will help them hugely in the future."