A CYCLIST has told how he was struck down by a hit and run driver in York.

Nigel White, 51, was cycling in Bishopthorpe Road, at about 4.50pm on Friday when he was hit by the car, which ran him over and left the scene.

Mr White said: "I had right of way, and my lights were on.

"A car came speeding across the road from the junction [of Campleshon Road]. I knew I was going to hit the front of it, so hit my brakes and hit the side of it. My bike went over the top of the car, and I went underneath. It was very painful and the driver didn't even stop, he carried on. It was a big black car, I think a Volkswagen, but I'm not sure."

Mr White suffered serious injuries in the crash, which was witnessed by a number of passers by, and remains in York Hospital following an operation to help heal his injuries.

He said: "My leg and arm went under the car. My leg broke at the top of my hip. I even got tyre mark on my left arm of my jacket."

He said his hip was broken in the crash and doctors had had to break it again in order to set it with a plate and pins.

York Press:

Mr White said he had not been contacted by North Yorkshire Police since his operation, and was keen to hear from them.

He said: "The police haven't told me anything so far.

"I want to know if they've actually caught the driver and I'm being told nothing at all. He just sped across the road like an idiot. I didn't stand a chance."

A spokesman said a Sergeant from the force's Roads Policing Group would be contacting Mr White, and appealed to witnesses to contact them.

Traffic Constable Martin Smith said: "It may be that the driver of the dark coloured car is unaware a collision has taken place. 

"If you were driving a dark coloured car on Bishopthorpe Road at the time of the collision, I urge you to come forward straight away, so that I can take a statement for my records. I am also keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision and ask that they get in touch as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or email martin.smith@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk