AN elderly woman had to be flown to hospital for treatment after a collision with a pushbike on a newly-opened cycle route.

The 78-year-old was walking along the path between Ripley and Bilton, near Harrogate, with her daughter when the incident happened at about 4.15pm on Easter Monday, April 1.

A mountain bike rider, travelling in the same direction, collided with the woman when he tried to pass. The man fell off his bike but remounted and continued his journey.

The woman suffered a broken hip was taken by air ambulance to Harrogate District Hospital where her condition is described as stable following surgery.

A man in his 50s was traced by officers in the Ripon area on Monday evening. He is now helping with the investigation.

Traffic Constable Rob Roberts said: “I am appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward as soon as possible, or anyone who recalls seeing the elderly woman and her daughter or the man on the mountain bike prior to the collision.”

Witnesses can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two, and ask for Rob Roberts or e-mail rob.roberts@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk