SAFETY campaigners staged a 30-mile ride in memory of cyclists killed on the roads – including two who died at the same spot.

They set off from the Four Horseshoes pub in Nursling after standing in silent tribute to Mark Brummell and Kieran Dix, who lost their lives in separate accidents at Ipley Crossroads in the New Forest.

Mark, 53, of Shirley, Southampton, was killed in 2012 and Kieran, 36, of Eastleigh, died after being badly injured in a similar collision last year.

Following Mark’s death, a white-painted bicycle was left at the scene of the tragedy but was later removed.

So-called ‘ghost bikes’ have appeared across the UK after fatal crashes involving cyclists. The memorials aim to encourage motorists to take extra care near bicycles.

Every year members of Southampton Cycling Campaign stage a ride in memory of Mark and all the other riders killed in accidents in the area.

Almost 20 people took part in this year’s event, the youngest of whom was 11.

After leaving Nursling they rode to West Tytherley, where they had lunch at the Black Horse pub before returning to Southampton via Dunbridge and Romsey.

One of the organisers, Lindsi Bluemel, said: “We began by observing a short silence in memory of Mark and Kieran and all the other cyclists who have died.

“For several years our route has included Ipley Crossroads but we wanted a bit of variety and now pick other areas where we know Mark used to cycle.

“He loved riding in the Test Valley.”

Earlier this year Ipley Crossroads, between Hythe and Beaulieu Road station, was named as one of the worst accident blackspots for cyclists.

Seven collisions at Ipley were reported to police between 2009 and 2015.

The accident toll emerged after digital mapping company Mapmechanics analysed national data from the Department for Transport and discovered that accidents involving cyclists had resulted in 139,628 casualties over the six-year period.

The county council has already spent thousands of pounds on new markings and improved surfacing.

Speaking after the publication of the Mapmechanics data a county council spokesman said: “All serious accidents are investigated by the Casualty Reduction Partnership to consider the cause of the accident and the need for any remedial action.”