POLICE have released dashcam footage from an incident on the A590 in which a cyclist suffered severe injuries.

They have also urged drivers to give cyclists at least 1.5m of space when passing.

A 62-year-old man was knocked unconscious while cycling westbound on the A590 dual carriageway - between Junction 36 of the M6 and the Brettargh Holt roundabout - on July 24 of this year.

He was struck by a Mercedes Sprinter van travelling at 70mph.

He suffered a fractured elbow and numerous lacerations and contusions to his body and face. He also had no memory of the collision. 

Police constable Simon Smith said: "As the van approached the cyclist, the driver made no attempt to slow down or make adjustments to his course.

“The cyclist suffered serious injuries as a result of the collision. Thankfully there was an off-duty constable from Lancashire and an off-duty firefighter from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service who were quickly able to come to the man’s aid.”

The westbound carriageway was closed for around two hours following the collision.

The driver of the Sprinter van was Christopher Gadsden, 30, of Methuen Street, Walney. He admitted driving without due care and attention.

Carlisle Magistrates’ Court imposed six penalty points on September 17, 2019 and Mr Gadsden was ordered to pay a total of £350 in fines and costs.