Britain's cyclists have been urged to consider taking out insurance to protect themselves in the event of an accident.

With the Tour de France having passed through London and the south-east of England over the weekend, cycling has been in the headlines.

Transport for London (TfL) has been among the many groups hoping to use the historic event to highlight the benefits of cycling, with more than 11,000 bike park places made available for people wishing to watch to start of the race on Saturday.

But insurer Cornhill Direct, while supporting wider bike use, has warned that many cyclists are a risk to themselves and other road users.

Research commissioned by Cornhill found that 69 per cent of cyclists had fallen off their bikes, while 14 per cent had been knocked off by another vehicle.

Half admitted to having ridden on the pavement, which is illegal and can result in a hefty fine, and around the same number said they did not wear a cycling helmet.

"Cycling is hugely popular in the UK and riders would be wise to make sure they have the right insurance cover," said Cornhill Direct spokesman, Mark Bishop.

"If a cyclist were to injure someone they could face a bill of tens of thousands of pounds and if they were injured and unable to work it could cause them and their family real financial problems."

Up to two million people are though to have lined the streets of the capital to watch the start of the Tour de France.

"I believe that the Tour has helped in our push to see many more Londoners helping to accelerate and deepen the cycling renaissance that the capital is already experiencing," a spokesman for TfL said.