Cycling collisions in Richmond borough rose by almost 50% last year, according to official figures.

The sharp rise from 104 to 153 is likely to represent the tip of the iceberg as most incidents go unreported to the police.

The figures, published by Richmond Council last week, show the number of serious collisions in the borough rose by 59% from 22 to 35.

The increase in accidents came at a time that many people were cycling more for exercise during the lockdown, which may partially explain the rise.

However, Council documents also accept that despite the huge number of cyclists in Richmond borough the road infrastructure is not sufficient to cope.

Papers produced for a Council committee state: "Richmond has one of the highest levels of cycling out of all the London Boroughs and as such sees a higher rate of cycling collisions when compared with other Boroughs.

"Whilst there are extensive areas of green space which are ideal for cycling, the lack of strategic routes do not support the level of cycling currently encountered."

The Council has a stated ambition to increase cycling, however the figures on collisions and concerns about safety from cars could mean people are reluctant to take to two wheels.

Just this month, cyclist David Williams was sent crashing to the ground by a BMW driver in a 'deliberate attack' in Richmond Park.

Williams, a schoolteacher and cycling instructor, suffered a broken collarbone.

The Council's Richmond Cycling Strategy 2016-2026 supports a desire to promote increased cycling and the benefits it provides by reducing congestion on the road including:

• improved air quality

• reduction in noise pollution

• improved health and wellbeing

• a reduction in 'road danger'.

The Council said: "Any schemes introduced onto the borough network will give consideration to enhanced cycle measures where possible to complement our existing network of cycle routes across the borough."

The authority said there has been some success in establishing new safe cycle lanes with more to come - including upgrades to the Teddington to Twickenham route on Strawberry Vale.

It said: "We have successfully delivered an experimental cycle route along Kew Road linking the A316 to Kew Gardens Road and have already seen a significant increase in the number of cyclists using this route.

"This route benefits from light segregation using a system of wands/armadillos where cyclists are separated from the main traffic flow for much of the road.

"We are also planning a new and improved cycle route along Strawberry Vale in Twickenham with works planned to start late 2021.

"Other schemes in development stage include Hampton Court Road and London Road in Twickenham."

The Council is also looking at other options, including putting cycle contraflows where safe to implement on existing one-way roads; improvements at traffic signals to reduce conflict for cyclists; and speed reduction measures to enhance the cycling experience.