HUNDREDS of cyclists have been involved in collisions across Dorset over the last three years.

New data from Dorset Police has revealed that 678 cyclists had been involved in collisions with cars over the last three years with 267 recorded in 2015, 200 in 2016 and 211 last year.

Now, road safety charities have hit out at the statistics raising concerns.

AA president Edmund King said: “It is extremely worrying that there were almost 700 cases of cyclists being hit by cars in the last three years in Dorset.

"Drivers should give as much room as practically possible when overtaking a bike – Highway Code Rule 163 illustrates one car’s width – cyclists may have to move out to avoid hazards like drains, potholes or debris on the road.”

Sam Jones, senior campaigns officer at Cycling UK said that any death or collision is one too many.

He added: “We are incredibly concerned to see what is clearly a trend on the up showing more people being killed or seriously injured while cycling.”

“Drivers should be taught to give plenty of space when taking over.”

Josh Harris, director of campaigns at Brake, the road safety charity, said: “It is incredibly concerning to hear of so many collisions involving cyclists in Dorset.

"To prevent future collisions, it is crucial that more is done to protect the safety of cyclists.

“Brake is urging the Government to prioritise investment in safe, segregated cycle routes.

“This will help create a road environment where far more people feel safe to cycle, benefitting personal health, reducing air pollution and providing a cheap form of transport for all.”

The news comes after the Department for Transport (DfT) released a report recommending a case for a new offence to be introduced to tackle dangerous cycling.

The independent report, written by legal expert Laura Thomas, finds there is a strong case for changing the law to tackle the issue of dangerous and careless cycling that causes injury or death.

If the law was changed, it would bring cycling in line with serious driving offences.

It also comes after Dorset Police launched Operation Close Pass last July which targeted drivers who didn’t give enough room to cyclists.

The initiative saw police officers dress up in cycling clothes and take to the road on bicycles fitted with cameras to record the behaviour of drivers who overtake them.

If they are found to have committed an offence, they are taken led to a specific checkpoint where they then offered roadside education using a specially designed mat to illustrate the safe driving procedure.

A Dorset Police spokesperson added: “Dorset Police continually provides education to drivers and cyclists using the roads in our county through a number of initiatives.

“An example of education provided to both groups is Operation Close Pass, which was launched in 2017.

“The aim of the scheme is to improve the safety of cyclists and raise awareness among all road users on how to behave courteously to each other.

“There are a number of other educational opportunities available for road users and more information can be found on the newly launched Dorset Road Safe website - www.dorsetroadsafe.org.uk

“Dorset Road Safe brings together the police, fire service, health and local authorities to work in partnership to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads through education, enforcement and engineering.”