A HAMPSHIRE cyclist has told how he was left for dead when he was knocked unconscious during an alleged hit and run on a Hampshire road.

Ken Johnson suffered severe facial injuries when he fell from his bike while cycling back to his home in Stubbington.

Now he is calling for police to trace a driver he says knocked him off his bike and drove off after the smash.

It comes as police launch a new safety campaign aiming to slash the number of cyclists killed on Hampshire’s roads.

New figures reveal that nearly 1,000 cyclists were killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads and the Isle of Wight in the last five years.

Now officers are urging cyclists to ensure they use lights, reflective gear and are considerate to other road users.

Saints fan Mr Johnson, 50, - who says he was wearing a high vis jacket and had his bike well illuminated - was cycling home from Portsmouth when he fell from his bike in the city’s Northern Parade Road.

He says a Peugeot 206 “veered in front” of him forcing him into a parked car and causing him to fall to the ground so hard he was knocked unconscious.

The Peugeot drove off.

He was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital where he spent a night in intensive care for treatment for “serious injuries” to his head and face.

He told the Echo: “I am concerned that although this was a hit and run, and that I would have been killed if I had not been wearing my helmet “Why would the driver run me off the road like that, and then drive off?” added Mr Johnson.

A police spokeswoman said: ‘Officers would like to speak to the driver of the car, as they may have information which may assist with the investigation into the exact circumstances of the collision.”

She urged anyone who witnessed the collision at 10.20pm on Friday, October 14, to contact police on 101 quoting 44160389169.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.