TWO soldiers have told how they desperately tried to save a cyclist who collided with a car.

Sadly the 48-year-old man, from Banbury, was pronounced dead at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

The incident happened at about 6pm on Tuesday on the A4421 Neunkirchen Way, near the A41 roundabout, at Langford Village, Bicester.

Police said the cyclist was in collision with a silver Ford Escort. The male driver was spoken to by police at the scene.

The victim has not yet been named.

Lieutenants Ben Scarfe, 24, and Rob Charters, 23, were just returning to St David’s Barracks in Bicester after a run when they heard a crash.

Lt Scarfe said: “We ran over and realised a chap had been knocked off his bike.

“The guy driving the car was in shock and I went over to him and told him to call an ambulance.

“Rob went over to the cyclist and we realised he was in a bad way.

“I’m currently training for Heric 18 and that includes medical training, so I was able to utilise that training and help the chap.”

A trainee paramedic also joined the pair and together they were able to give the victim CPR.

Lt Charters, who has basic first aid training, said: “When we first heard the crash, there was not a thought, we both sprinted over.

“Ben fell over because we were trying to get there as quickly as possible.

“A lot of people stopped and offered to help, which was very good to see.”

Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Sgt Julie Daglish, investigating the incident, said: “This collision happened on a busy road and I am keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision, or saw the car or cyclist beforehand.”

There have also been calls to reduce the 50mph speed limit on Neunkirchen Way, which runs along the side of housing estate Langford Village.

One post on the Oxford Mail website from ‘caversfield’, said: “A very dangerous roundabout for cyclists due to the four lanes you have to cross.

“Eight to get to where you want to be, add the 50/60 limit and it’s hell.”

Another from Aidan Williams said: “Sad news, the speed limit on that road needs to be reduced from 50mph to 30mph.

“I cycle along that road regularly and have had several near misses, even though I wear a fluorescent yellow jacket and have lights on my bike.”

Oxfordshire County Council, which looks after the roads, was unavailable to comment.

Anyone with any information should contact Sgt Daglish via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or view crimestoppers-uk.org

In September 2009, 47-year-old Ian Blake had been riding a blue Suzuki when he was hit by a car turning right.

Driver Stephen Hodgkinson, then 27, of Banbury, admitted a charge of causing death by dangerous driving. He was spared jail by Oxford Crown Court and given 150 hours’ unpaid work and banned from driving for a year.