A shocking number of cyclists have been involved in road accidents in Burton when compared to much larger Derby, new figures have revealed.

According to Staffordshire Police, there has been 81 separate accidents involving bicycles between January 2015 and April 2017.

In comparison, the far more populated and busy city of Derby saw 210 incidents recorded in the same period of time, according to Derbyshire Constabulary.

To put this perspective, in the 2011 Census which recorded the population of the two areas, there were 248,752 people living in Derby city centre, while there were just 72,299 in Burton.

In Derby that equates to one accident involving a bike for every 1,184 people, while in Burton there is one accident per every 893 people.

The statistics come on the back of one Burton driver being jailed after swerving into a group of cyclists three times.

John Rafferty, of Grange Street became angry when he was unable to get past the dozen-strong cycling group, which included two 12-year-old boys.

Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court heard how the 50-year-old repeatedly beeped his horn at them, swerved into the group three times in a bid to overtake them and deliberately sprayed his screen wash so they got wet.

Finally he chased after the lead rider who had cycled past him to remonstrate, hitting his bike and sending him flying in to a hedge. The court heard that Rafferty said the 'red mist' came down.

Helen Fisher, the cabinet support member for Highways and Transport at the council, speaking on behalf of Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership, has said it feels there is not a particular issue with cyclists on Burton’s roads, saying that the town's roads were among the safest in the country.

There have been 81 collisions involving bicycles in Burton, compared to 210 in Derby
There have been 81 collisions involving bicycles in Burton, compared to 210 in Derby

She said: "Keeping our roads safe, including cyclists, remains a top priority for us and our roads continue to be among the safest in the country.

"Over the last few years we have invested in a number of cycleways to encourage more people to get on their bike and to make cycling easier and safer. These include improvements to the NCN 63 in the town centre and maintenance of Stapenhill Viaduct and Ferry Bridge, which also form part of the route.

"Linking up National Cycle Network route 54 from Alrewas towards the National Memorial Arboretum along the A513 has also given people a safer route.

"We would always ask motorists and cyclists to be courteous to each other when sharing the road. As part of this we support national campaigns aimed at promoting responsible road use by both drivers and cyclists. We also deliver 'Bikeability' training to local school children which helps them become more confident and safer riders."

This also comes only a week after a cyclist was taken to hospital in an air ambulance after being involved in a collision in Burton.

The teenaged male cyclist was taken to hospital after colliding with an Audi in Union Street, on Friday, September 8.

How to stay safe while cycling

The Government is constantly reminding cyclists to remain safe on the country's roads, and has issued safety advice through the 'Think!' road safety website, so here are seven tips to keep in mind when cycling on the road.

1. When cycling, if a lorry ahead of you is indicating left, passing on the inside can be dangerous. Hang back at the junction to reduce the risk of a collision.

2. Always ride positively, decisively and well clear of the kerb. Look and signal with your arms to show drivers what you plan to do and make eye contact where possible so you know drivers have seen you and know where you are.

3. When possible, avoid riding up on the inside of large vehicles, such as lorries, buses or trucks, which might be able to see you on your bike.

Be wary when cycling on roads for your own safety
Be wary when cycling on roads for your own safety

4. When cycling at night, or in poor visibility, always wear lights to make sure that other vehicles on the roads can spot you.

5. Visibility is always key to staying safe on the roads. Wearing light coloured or reflective clothing during the day and reflective clothing or accessories in the dark can increase your visibility.

6. The Highway Code shouldn't just be followed by drivers, cyclists should always make sure they know the full Highway Code and follow it accordingly, including observing stop and give way signs and traffic lights.

7. Wear a fitted cycle helmet which should be securely fastened and conforms to safety regulations.