Shock after cyclist seriously injured following crash on 'busy' road

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward to help their investigations, as they try to piece together exactly what happened.

Dorset Police say that the collision occurred on the A354 Rodwell Road, close to the Kingswood Hotel on Saturday at approximately 10.18am.

Eyewitnesses have reported that the cyclist had been riding up the hill on Rodwell Road in the direction of Buxton Road when he fell into the carriageway, before potentially being struck by a passing vehicle.

The cyclist, a local man, was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital in a life-threatening condition. He remains in hospital in a critical condition. The road was closed for a number of hours while police investigated at the scene.

Community send best wishes to the cyclist in hospital 

Outside the police cordon on Rodwell Road, Weymouth.

Residents in the area spoke of their shock at being alerted to the ongoing emergency response after hearing the sound of sirens.

One local said: “I was out on my walk and I saw a few police vehicles shoot up the road towards Rodwell Road.

“By the time I walked into the area, police officers were closing the road and telling motorists to turn around.

“There was a quite load of traffic in the area but that is insignificant when a person appears to have been seriously hurt.”

Local councillors spoke of their shock at the incident, and sent their best wishes to the injured cyclist and his family.

Councillor Kate Wheeler said: “I am very sorry to hear of this incident and I hope the cyclist is receiving all the care he needs and wish him a speedy recovery. My thoughts go out to his family and I wish them all the best.”

Rodwell Road 'dangerous' for cyclists, councillor claims

Councillor Brian Heatley, who represents Rodwell and Wyke area for Dorset Council, said: "My thoughts are with the family and the cyclist. I hope it is not too serious and he recovers from this.” 

Speaking personally, Councillor Heatley said he cycles in the area ‘quite often’ and noted it is a ‘busy and dangerous route for cyclists’. 

He added: "I would be more grateful for more protection along that road.

“The A354 is quite scary. There is a lot of traffic and often there are drivers who go too fast along the road. 

“This is a dangerous road for cyclists but if you are trying to get to Wyke, there are no other opportunities or routes.”

Police appeal for witnesses following crash

Dorset Police are still appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information, but are keen to speak to the occupants of a dark-coloured Ford Mondeo, a white car-derived van with roof bars, a dark Citroen Berlingo with a roof box and a motorcycle with a pillion passenger.

Police Sergeant Rhys Griffiths, of the traffic unit, said: “Due to the reports we received, I am understandably keen to identify that vehicle and its role in the incident.

“Our CCTV enquiries point to a number of vehicles passing that location at the relevant time and I would again urge any motorists who did so to please make contact with us.

“I’m particularly keen to speak with the occupants of a number of specific vehicles, including a dark-coloured Ford Mondeo, a white car-derived van with roof bars, a dark Citroen Berlingo with a roof box and a motorcycle with a pillion passenger.

“All of these vehicles were travelling along Rodwell Road in the direction of Buxton Road and I believe may hold useful information to assist us with our enquiries. Therefore, I urge them to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210033067.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.