THE number of cyclists killed on the roads has risen to its highest level for six years, prompting concerns that the sharp increase in novice riders switching from four to two wheels may be responsible.

Overall road deaths fell by 1 per cent last year to 3,201, the lowest level since records began, according to figures published by the Department for Transport.

Cycling was the only mode of transport to record an increase in deaths last year, up 10 per cent to 148 from 134 in 2004. The number of cyclists seriously injured rose by 2 per cent to 2,212.

It was the second year running in which cycling deaths rose substantially. In 2003 there were 114 fatalities.

The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (Pacts) said that the increase in inexperienced riders, especially since the bomb attacks on public transport in London last July, could be factor in the increase in deaths.

In the month after the July 7 attacks, sales of bicycles in London rose by 20 per cent.

Rob Gifford, director of Pacts, said: “We urgently need the Government to commission a specific study into why cycle deaths are rising.

“The rise in novice cyclists could be responsible and the results of the study would tell us where to target resources.”

The total distance travelled by bicycle has remained static in most parts of Britain but is rising fast in London, where the number of cycling trips has grown by 50 per cent since 2001, from 300,000 a day to 450,000 a day.

Brake, the road safety charity, said that an increase in the number of 20mph zones was the best way to get cyclist deaths on a downward trend.

Mary Williams, Brake’s chief executive, said: “It is no surprise that cyclists, one of the most vulnerable groups of road users, are dying in increasing numbers. Britain’s roads are still plagued by speeding drivers, as well as law-breaking uninsured, unlicensed, drunk and drugged drivers.

“There is an urgent need for 20mph limits in all our towns and villages, off-road cycle paths for cyclists, and much tougher traffic law enforcement.”

She said that despite the general increase in cyclist deaths, child cyclist fatalities had fallen by 20 per cent.

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