DOCTORS at a North-East hospital are warning all cyclist to wear “lifesaving” helmets after witnessing first-hand the head and face injuries that can occur in bike collisions.

A team of accident and emergency consultants at North Tees Hospital in Stockton are supporting Road Safety GB North East’s cycling safety campaign.

The campaign has been launched after research showed that cyclists make up eight per cent of road traffic casualties and 13 per cent of serious injuries, according to Road Safety GB North-East.

Between 2012 and 2016 there were 3,044 cyclists reported as injured on North East roads, however, actual numbers could be much higher as incidents resulting in slight injuries, or where no other vehicle was involved, are unlikely to be reported to police, say campaign organisers.

Andy Simpson, who has been a doctor for almost three decades, came off his bike a few years ago, landing face down, suffering concussion and facial injuries.

But the consultant is adamant that without his helmet, the outcome would have been much worse.

“I’m certain that my helmet saved my life or prevented me from suffering a brain injury,” said the consultant,” said Mr Simpson

“A quarter of my helmet was broken off inside, so if I hadn’t been wearing it, my head would have taken that force.

“I can’t see any good reason why a cyclist wouldn’t wear a helmet. It doesn’t take much to come off your bike and suffer a serious brain injury, but it does takes a long time to recover from a brain injury, if people ever do recover 100 per cent.

“If we can reduce the likelihood of head injuries happening through raising awareness, it will be worth it," he added.

Kate Williamson, Mr Simpson’s colleague and a keen mountain biker, also knows the danger after her husband came off his bike in Hamsterly Forest last year.

He suffered facial injuries, concussion and short term memory loss, which saw him still receiving hospital treatment three months after the accident.

"There seems to be more people than ever cycling now, and in the last couple of years I would definitely say we have seen an increase in cycling-related injuries," she said.

"My concern is the amount of people I see cycling without helmets.

"Wearing the right protective gear for the level of cycling you are doing is paramount – a helmet is the minimum for everyone," she added.

Paul Watson, another doctor at the hospital, said: "I can’t think of any logical reason why cyclists, including children riding on pavements and in parks, should not wear helmets."