Top professional cyclist Alex Dowsett has joined forces with Essex Police and road safety officers in a campaign to improve cycle safety in the county.

Alex 25, who lives near Chelmsford, trains by riding an average 500 miles a week around Essex and surrounding counties.

He said: "As I use the roads for both driving and riding I feel I can see both sides, I’m actually as much of a car fan as I am a bike racing fan.

"If I am driving in my car and become held up by cyclists I know that what is most likely a 10-15 second hold-up actually feels like minutes to some people, so I can understand the frustration sometimes directed towards cyclists.

"However, I also think cyclists need to have more of an understanding of this. We are in a vulnerable position without the protection of a metal shell, but this doesn’t mean we own the road, we share it and I think there has to be consideration from both sides.

"Riding two-abreast is safer for cyclists as it prevents a car going for a narrow gap that may put us in danger. But cars won’t be able to pass safely if riders stay two-abreast on narrow county lanes, so singling out is important.

"I don't believe there is ever an excuse for riding three-abreast. I think, on the other hand, car drivers should consider how much time it is actually going to cost by waiting those extra 5-10 seconds for a safe place to overtake, are you just going to end up behind the line of cars you were following anyway? So by waiting for a safe place to overtake, is it actually going to make your journey any longer?

"Traffic lights are another place where cyclists can be more safety conscious. They are there for everyone to follow but you often see cyclists jumping the lights and that really infuriates drivers. If safety improvements are made on both sides car drivers would appreciate it.”

Alex has been acutely conscious of road safety since he took up cycling and joined Maldon and District Cycling Club. He needs to take extra care on the roads because he suffers from haemophilia which prevents bleeding wounds from healing normally.

Alex is thought to be the only sportsman with this conditional and competing in world class events.

He says he has no concerns when riding in major road races as three or four ambulances are always close to riders. When training on the roads of Essex he tries to ride out with other professional riders, including Mark Cavendish who lives in west Essex, just in case of any mishaps.

"Sometimes I do have to ride on my own and when it is just me and the traffic I am putting my life in their hands. I rely on drivers around me to drive safely.

"I know the roads of Essex well and train for up to 30 hours a week at an average of about 20mph so, some weeks I can do up to 600 miles.”

While Alex calls for cyclists and drivers to be more aware of each other on the roads he also feels that cyclists need to be more safety conscious.

He said: "I have lost count of the number of helmets I have shattered in falls from bikes. They are absolutely essential for all cycle users but still you see many people riding without them.

"Many cyclists also need to be more visible at night or in bad weather and there are some excellent high-visibility jackets and powerful lights for cyclists.”

Alex also stresses the need for regular bike maintenance to ensure brakes, gears and steering are all in top condition. "If you can’t do the work yourself there are plenty of cycle shops that will do it for you.”

He was also critical of the trend towards fixed wheel bikes without brakes, the rider using pedal power to slow down or stop. "Some people like them because they are cheap and are low-maintenance, but they are not suitable for road use. I have ridden them for years on indoor tracks but would never ride them on the roads.”

Alex is likely to be a regular road user in Essex as he steps up a gear to train and prepare for selection for the Tour de France, a stage of which will pass through Essex next July.

As one of 27 riders in the Spanish-based Movistar team Alex has ridden in top events around the world. But only nine team members will be selected for the Tour de France.

"My whole ambition now is to ride in the year for the Tour de France, especially because the stage from Cambridge to London is on Essex roads that I know well. It would be awesome to ride through Essex with the best riders in the world.

"I did the Tour of Britain this year and that was brilliant. But next year’s Tour de France will really put cycling on the map in the UK, even more than it is at the moment.

"Cycling is the most-watched sport worldwide and interest is growing all the time, especially in the UK. But as more people buy bikes and ride to work or for pleasure safety is paramount. I am delighted to be associated with Essex Police and Essex Road Safety to launch this campaign to reduce cycle fatalities or injuries on the county’s roads.”