THE number of cyclists killed or seriously injured on the county's roads has rocketed at double the rate of the national increase.

In 2010, 89 cyclists were killed or seriously injured (KSI) in Sussex - compared to 186 last year.

Although there has been a rise in the number of KSIs across the country, the increase in Sussex has been double that of the national average.

The figures, released by the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership (SSRP), also reveal the county's accident hotspots as Brighton and Hove and Worthing, where 7.08 and 7.30 are killed or seriously injured per 10,000 of the population.

In comparison, in Eastbourne the figure is 3.15, Chichester 4.85, Arun 4.60, Hastings 3.51, Horsham 2.61, Crawley 3.28 and Rother 2.50.

To be classed as a seriously injured case, the victim typically has to be hospitalised as a result of the injuries.

Becky Reynolds, from cycle campaign group Bricycles, described the increase as "very concerning" but said the figures must be taken in context.

She said: "There are certainly more people cycling in the last few years and that is a fantastic thing, but there is more we can do to improve safety.

"When cycling around Brighton and Hove in particular you have to be extremely vigilant and the real problem is with junctions."

The number of KSI incidents have gone up year on year in Sussex since there were 89 in 2010.

In 2011 it jumped to 112, before 125 in 2012, 149 in 2013, 186 in 2014 and 103 up until August this year.

Despite most cycling safety warnings coming with winter approaching, the highest monthly KSI totals are in the summer months.

Last year between June and September, there were 98 KSIs on the county's roads.

Ms Reynolds said: "Whenever there are safety messages going out the emphasis is always on the cyclist. That's not right.

"We are way behind many other European countries in bringing in strict liability laws whereby the larger road user is automatically responsible for a collision.

"I'm also a supporter of the CTC's Road Justice Campaign which is calling for thorough police investigations of all road traffic collisions, appropriate charging and prosecution decisions and sentences that reflect offences and discourage bad driving.

"I think there have been real improvements in Brighton and Hove and there are certainly lots more people cycling, but more can be done."

The figures have been released by SSRP to coincide with the launch of their winter cycling safety campaign.

Officers will be on hand to give out free bike lights along with advice and help with maintenance over the coming weeks.

Surveys will also be carried out to gain an understanding of how to make conditions safer.

For more details visit sussexsaferroads.gov.uk.