A MAN whose elderly mother was hit by a cyclist listening to an MP3 player says he plans to lobby the government, police and MPs to take action over the issue.

Terry Harwood, 47, of Talbot Village, Bournemouth, says he constantly comes across cyclists wearing headphones who are oblivious to traffic and pedestrians.

His views were echoed by Bournemouth Cycling Forum and Bournemouth Arrows Cycling Club which discourages members from using headphones when riding a bicycle.

Terry said: “I am planning on contacting the department of transport, police and parliament about these MP3 players that cyclists use.

“It happens all the time. They just seem to cycle around with these things in their ears and they can’t hear anything.

“My mum, who is over 80, was on the pavement and they just bashed straight into her wearing an MP3.

“I do think these cyclists are a danger on the roads. Their iPods should be taken away. If drivers are stopped for drink driving they would never hear the end of it but these people on bikes are causing lots of accidents.”

Anne Stevens, spokesperson for Bournemouth Arrows Cycling Club, said: “We have had one or two occasions at our events where people have thought they can just ride along with headphones on. We always advise people not to.

“You can’t hear traffic coming up behind you. That’s one of the most dangerous things.”

Committed cyclist, Cllr David Smith, cabinet member for community, said: “I think it is rather dangerous and foolhardy because I think part of cycling is to be aware of what’s around you.”

“However if you are out in the countryside riding across trails and things where there is no traffic I can see no problem with it.”

John Hayter, chairman of Bournemouth Cycling Forum, said: “When you are riding your bike on the road you need to have all your senses and need to be listening out for traffic. People are putting themselves in danger.”

A Dorset Police spokesman said it was not an offence for people to use MP3 players while cycling but added: “We would advise cyclists not to wear headphones because they need to be fully aware of road conditions around them both visually and aurally.”

Claire Elkins, road safety project officer for Bournemouth council, also said riding while listening on headphones was not advisable.

“It’s not a good idea for cyclists to wear headphones while on their bikes because they’re less aware of the traffic around them, for instance they may not hear traffic coming from behind or emergency services.”