Road casualties involving cyclists in West Yorkshire have been slashed by more than 40 per cent seven years ahead of schedule.

Statistics show the number of fatal and serious casualties involving cyclists dropped from an average of 106 a year between 1994 and 1998 to 62 in 2002 - a decrease of 41.5 per cent. The target of a 40 per cent reduction was scheduled to be met by 2010.

In Bradford one cyclist was killed and seven seriously injured last year.

The West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan, which is approved by the Government, sets out 16 targets to be met in future years relating to road traffic numbers, use of public transport, the number of cycling trips made, journeys by foot, air quality, punctuality of buses, maintenance of roads and casualty reduction.

There was an 11 per cent reduction in the number of fatal and serious casualties last year compared to the 1994 to 1998 average, and the figures are on track to reach the 40 per cent reduction target by 2010, according to statistics compiled by the five West Yorkshire councils and the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority.