Dazzling sun has been a factor in an increase in the number of cyclists being killed by drivers.

Seventeen riders died in such crashes in 2020, reveals the Department for Transport (DoT).

The previous year the figure was four.

A further 139 were seriously injured last year.

Similarly, there has been in increase in the number of motorcyclists killed – up from six in 2019 to 11 in 2020.

At this time of the year the sun is lower in the mornings and late afternoon.

It can be blinding to drivers.

Cycling UK is urging motorists to be more careful.

Duncan Dollimore, the charity’s head of campaigns, said:

“A four-fold increase in deaths with a contributory factor of ‘dazzling sun’ is alarming and could be avoided by driving more carefully.

“Cycling UK would encourage anyone dazzled by the sun to drop your speed, and where appropriate and safe to do so, stop until they have clear visibility of the road again.

“The last thing anyone wants to do is to cause another person’s death due to being dazzled.

“Please take appropriate precautions and keep you and others safe in doing so.”