A member of Reading's cycling community has expressed safety concerns following a fatal hit-and-run incident near the hospital.

As reported earlier today, Thames Valley Police has launched a murder investigation after a cyclist in his 30s was killed on Addington Road at the junction of Cadugan Place shortly before midnight yesterday.

Police said it is believed that the cyclist was also assaulted by the occupant of the vehicle, who then fled the scene.

While the full circumstances remain unclear, members of the community have addressed more widespread concerns about safety travelling in Reading. 

Assistant Manager Joe Coviello, of Evans Cycles, said Reading can be a 'dangerous place' for cyclists as the majority of roads are unsafe.

“With Reading it’s a difficult one because a lot of people travel through Reading to go somewhere else,” he said. “It’s a difficult place to drive let alone cycle. It has always been this way.

“People rarely know what lane they’re supposed to be in and they cannot be trusted using the roundabouts. Multiple times a day we see accidents outside the shop where cyclists just get knocked off their bikes."

Mr Coviello said he felt more needed to be done to police the roads, adding: “There should be more of a police presence at the roundabouts because people are just driving so silly.”

He added that he fears the town's roads - and multiple incidents of dangerous dangerous - can Reading appear an unattractive place for people to cycle. 

“People have no patience for cyclists,” he said. “I don’t want to put people off cycling but there are many other places in the UK where people take their time on the roads.

“People always speed in Reading it’s such a shame.”

Mr Coviello’s advice to cyclists in order to stay safe on the roads is to make themselves as visible as possible with high-visibility clothing and lights.

He also suggested that people should invest in helmet cameras so any accidents can be caught on film.

He added: “If you are changing lanes keep looking behind you and stick your arm out. It’s all just a case of being super aware.

“A lot of the time people will see a cyclist and think they have right of way. Make sure to stay clear of drivers if they are acting suspiciously but also don’t get bullied off the road.”

Mr Coviello also suggested that if people can they should cycle in groups instead of alone so there are more witnesses if anything were to happen.

He continued: “Bikes are small fragile things and those who have big cars think they can do anything they want.

“It’s a case of bringing the cycle and motor community together and agreeing that we all have different vehicles but all must follow the same rules of the road.”