Cycling collisions leapt by almost 50% last year to a total of 153, according to official figures.

The sharp rise from 104 to 153 is likely to represent the tip of the iceberg as most incidents go unreported to the police.

The figures, published by Richmond Borough Council, show the figure for serious collisions rose by 59% from 22 to 35.

The increase in incidents came at a time that many people were cycling more for exercise during the lockdown, which may partially explain the rise.

However, the Council documents also accept that, despite the fact Richmond borough has a huge number of cyclists, the road infrastructure is not sufficient to cope.

Papers produced for a Council committee state: "Richmond has one of the highest levels of cycling out of all the London Boroughs and as such sees a higher rate of cycling collisions when compared with other Boroughs.

"Whilst there are extensive areas of green space which are ideal for cycling, the lack of strategic routes do not support the level of cycling currently encountered."

The Council has a stated ambition to increase cycling, however the figures on collisions and concerns about safety from cars could mean people are reluctant to take to two wheels.

Just last week, there was controversy on social media over a particularly narrow cycle lane on Church Road, Richmond.

Before that a cycling instructor, David Williams, suffered a broken collarbone and industries after he was sent crashing to the ground by a BMW driver in Richmond Park in a deliberate attack.

Two weeks ago, a girl aged 11 suffered leg injuries following a collision with a car near Twickenham Green.

The Council's Richmond Cycling Strategy 2016-2026 supports a desire to promote increased cycling and the benefits it provides by reducing congestion on the road including:

• improved air quality

• reduction in noise pollution

• improved health and wellbeing

• a reduction in 'road danger'.

The Council said: "Any schemes introduced onto the borough network will give consideration to enhanced cycle measures where possible to complement our existing network of cycle routes across the borough."

It says there has been some success in establishing new safe cycle lanes with more to come.

"We have successfully delivered an experimental cycle route along Kew Road linking the A316 to Kew Gardens Road and have already seen a significant increase in the number of cyclists using this route," it said.

"This route benefits from light segregation using a system of wands/armadillos where cyclists are separated from the main traffic flow for much of the road.

"We are also planning a new and improved cycle route along Strawberry Vale in Twickenham with works planned to start late 2021.

"Other schemes in development stage include Hampton Court Road and London Road in Twickenham."

The Council is also looking at other options, including putting cycle contraflows where safe to implement on existing one-way roads; improvements at traffic signals to reduce conflict for cyclists; and speed reduction measures to enhance the cycling experience.