CAMPAIGNERS are demanding major improvements to an accident blackspot after another serious incident involving a cyclist.

Dave Bensley and fellow members of Southampton Cycling and Touring Club (SCTC) were riding through the New Forest when the collision occurred at Ipley Crossroads, near Dibden.

Three years ago the isolated junction was named as one of the worst in the country for crashes involving cyclists following two fatal accidents.

SCTC members say it was a "miracle" the latest collision did not result in a third fatality.

Daily Echo:

They were cycling back to Southampton when Mr Bensley suffered serious neck and leg injuries in an accident with a car.

Club chairman Paul Raysfield said: "Dave was thrown about 30ft in the air and landed face down in a ditch full of water.

"We got him out and cleared his airway but could tell he had broken bones. When the paramedics arrived they pumped him full of morphine.

"That junction has a history of deaths and serious injuries."

Mr Rayfield listed some of the measures which Hampshire County Council had taken to make the crossroads safer. However, he called for the creation of a staggered junction, saying it would force drivers to stop and thus reduce the risk of another accident.

"At the moment motorists think they can see everything - but sometimes they don't."

Daily Echo:

Mark Brummell, 53, of Southampton, was killed in an accident with a Renault Megane in 2012. Four years later fellow cyclist Kieran Dix, 36, of Eastleigh, was fatally injured in a collision with a Vauxhall Zafira.

New Forest county and district councillor David Harrison is backing calls to convert the crossroads into a staggered junction.

He said: "I think the county council has to try everything to avoid the carnage we have seen in recent years."

Cllr Rob Humby, the county council's executive member for transport, added: “Part of the problem is the good visibility and open vista, with drivers approaching the crossroads misjudging the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles.

"We continue to work with New Forest District Council and the police to explore what can be done, including longer term proposals to stagger the junction."

The accident involving Mr Bensley happened on January 15 just before 1pm.

A police spokesman said: "We were called to a collision between a car and a bicycle. The 50-year-old cyclist suffered injuries to his head and left leg."