JUST weeks after Bournemouth was named the third most dangerous place for cyclists in England, a campaign has been launched to help cut casualties.

Latest accident figures for 2011 show that 137 cyclists were injured in Bournemouth with 21 adults and two children seriously hurt and one adult fatality. In Poole 90 people, including ten children, were injured with 12 adults seriously hurt.

The alarming statistics, highlighted in Bournemouth’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund bid, prompted assurances from Bournemouth council that the local authority was committed to reducing cycling casualties.

On Saturday Bournemouth Square and the town’s Triangle provided the setting for the launch of the resort’s “biggest ever” cycling campaign with bikes dating back almost 150 years on show.

Council spokeswoman Lorena Jones said: “Our aim is not to preach but we want to encourage more people to use public transport, cycle or car share. We also want to reduce the number of accidents through cycle training and awareness courses.”

Jim McGurn, Get Cycling’s chief executive, said: “Cycling remains a very practical form of transport; as well as the health benefits it is kind to the environment. Despite the risks, figures from across the country show that it is still safer to cycle than not to cycle.”

Matthew Trott, who made cycling on a replica penny-farthing look easy, said: “I often go out on the roads around Eastbourne; because I am on a penny-farthing drivers tend to slow down and give me a wide berth.

“It’s much safer than cycling on main roads on a normal bike which can be quite scary.”

He added: “The number of one-way systems in Bournemouth may cause more casualties because cyclists have a bad habit of ignoring them.

“I think education is the key; I have no time for cyclists who go through red lights but there are also bad drivers. Adult cyclists should have insurance which costs around £20 a year.

“I’m not a fan of taxing bikes; I’ve got 15 so it would cost me a small fortune.”