POLICE have warned about the importance of wearing safety helmets after a cyclist escaped with his life following a high speed smash.

Father-of-four Brian Birtle, who was wearing a helmet, escaped with bruises following the accident on the A56 Accrington bypass on Wednesday night.

Mr Birtle, 44, of Waverley Road, Rising Bridge, was involved in a collision with a car travelling at around 60 mph just before 7pm.

The collision happened as he travelled along the Haslingden-bound carriageway.

The bike was badly damaged in the accident, but Mr Birtle escaped with cuts and bruises and is recovering in Burnley General Hospital.

PC Rod Graham, from Rawtenstall police's road safety unit, said: "The fact that Mr Birtle was wearing a helmet and safety gear saved him from serious injury and probably saved his life.

"This accident could have had extremely severe consequences and Mr Birtle owes his life to the fact he was wearing the correct safety helmet.

"A lot of youngsters will have got bikes as Christmas presents and they should remember to wear safety helmets at all times.

"This is a good example of how vitally important it is to wear the proper safety equipment."

A spokesman for the family said: "Brian was a bit shaken up by the whole thing, but he seems to be all right now.

"He was badly bruised and cut but there have been no major injuries. He will probably be in hospital for a few days yet.

"The whole family were really worried when they heard what happened but they are just relieved that he is going to be all right."

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