Women cyclists are being encouraged to don their women's fitness wear and go for a bike ride, but are being warned not to ride near cliffs alone after a woman fell over a 25m (80ft) cliff face.

The 50-year-old suffered a broken collar bone and spinal injuries after she fell down Cheddar Gorge in Somerset.

Alan George, spokesman for Avon and Somerset Mountain Rescue, said the woman had taken a "Tom and Jerry fall" but her condition was less serious than it could have been due to the help she received from a stranger who was climbing in the area.

The man provided first aid and stabilised the woman's spine before he "disappeared into the darkness" as rescuers arrived.

"There's no two ways about it, the lady was very, very lucky," said Mr George.
The woman is recovering in hospital.

Cycling organisation CTC recommends cycling as an excellent way to improve health and fitness, to get from A to B and to help the environment, but it warns women to be careful while cycling both on and off the road. ADNFCR-2569-ID-19402035-ADNFCR

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