A COMMUNITY is in shock after a man died in a crash on the Dorchester bypass - as police continue to appeal for witnesses.

Floral tributes have been laid at the side of the A37, after Friday's crash where a 55-year-old cyclist, from the Dorchester area, died.

Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened at around 2pm, to come forward.

The man was riding a white pedal bike, when he was struck by a grey Ford Fiesta being driven by a 75-year-old woman.

Both the cyclist and the driver from the Dorchester area, officers said.

Mayor of Dorchester Peter Mann said his thoughts were with all of those involved.

He said: “It’s a very sad occasion, a very sad accident. My sympathies are with everybody concerned.”

Dorchester north councillor David Taylor said that people in Dorchester were very shocked and upset by what had happened and everyone’s thoughts were with those involved and their families.

He said people were concerned about the safety of the roads.

Mr Taylor said: “The devastating effect of the loss of life of a Dorchester resident always has a huge impact on the local community.

“It’s absolutely urgent that witnesses please come forward to state what happened.”

He added: “If anybody out there knows anything please call in so the police can ascertain exactly what happened.”

West Dorset District councillor for Charminster and Cerne Valley, Alistair Chisholm, said the incident was tragic and gave his sympathies to the family of the gentleman who died.

He said: “It’s a tragic incident.”  

Mr Chisholm added: “It’s really sad. They are entitled to cycle on that road, to drive on that road. All people that use the roads need to be ever aware of the different users and make allowances for that.”

Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward. Officers said the victim’s next of kin had been informed and the coroner has been notified.

The section of the bypass was closed for more than four hours while the emergency services worked, and officers thanked motorists affected by road closures for their patience.

Officers were called to the A37 Dorchester bypass between the Weir and Monkeys Jump roundabouts at 2.12pm on Friday.

A spokesman for the police said: “A grey Ford Fiesta was travelling from the Weir roundabout towards the Monkeys Jump roundabout when it was in collision with a white pedal cycle.

“The rider of the pedal cycle, a 55-year-old man from the Dorchester area, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The driver of the Fiesta, a 75-year-old woman from the Dorchester area, was uninjured.”

The spokesman added: “We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to please call the officer in the case, Police Constable Mark Farrow on 101.”

Witnesses should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 28:218, or alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.