A CYCLIST who suffered serious injuries after falling off his bike in Ayr has told how wearing his helmet saved his life.

Robert Neil, 52, came off his bike as he cycled in the Castlehill Hill area. The support worker was commuting between clients when he clipped a speed bump and crashed into the ground.

Robert was taken to Ayr Hospital A&E where it was confirmed that he had broken his arm and had suffered cuts to his face.

But doctors told him how lucky he was to escape with just those injuries, with his helmet protecting him from a far more serious outcome.

Now Robert is looking to warn other cyclists of the danger of not wearing a helmet as he insists falling off a bike can “happen at any time”.

He told the Ayr Advertiser: “I dread to think what would have happened if I didn’t have my helmet on. I might not be here if it wasn’t for wearing it.

“I see a lot of people out there who don’t wear a helmet. It’s just not worth the risk. I was lucky and I want to get the awareness out there for people to wear their cycle helmets.

“It doesn’t matter where you cycle it can happen so easily. It doesn’t matter how slow you’re going or how slow you think you’re going. I was just enjoying a leisurely cycle and it happened to me.

Robert from Prestwick is also concerned at the number of children he sees in the Summer holidays cycling without a helmet.

Ayr Advertiser:

He added: “I live near Prestwick Academy and I see a lot of children who cycle past without their helmets on. It’s crazy, they have their whole future ahead of them.”

Robert who uses a bike shop was astonished to hear from staff that some people are put off buying helmets due to the price.

And he’s urged residents to make an investment to protect themselves.

Robert added: “You can pick a good bike helmet up from around £12 to £25, for that price to save your life. It’s a small price to pay.”