A cyclist who escaped with cuts and bruises when he was knocked off his bike by a taxi says he was saved by his protective gear.

Rory Kehoe was cycling home after a 10km run and trip to The Monument pub when he was struck by the cab in St Dunstan’s Street, Canterbury.

The collision happened at just after 11pm on the roundabout next to Sainsbury's.

The 64-year-old farmer said: “I was about three-quarters of the way over the roundabout and this chap came from the direction of Canterbury West Station and went into me.

“He said he didn't see me but I'm 6ft 4ins and was wearing a bring yellow high-vis jacket and high-vis gloves.

“I was in shock and dazed, and I’m lucky quite a few people came to my assistance.”

Mr Kehoe says at first the cabbie drove off but was soon flagged down by passersby.

He added: “The driver left but he did come back about 15 minutes later after sorting the fare out.

“My ankle is a bit of a mess and my hip was bruised, and I have various scuffs, but the thing that saved me most was my helmet and my gloves.

“I'm so thankful for the people who stopped to help.”

Local historian Mr Kehoe was checked over by paramedics and police were called to the scene following the incident on Wednesday, August 2.

While Mr Kehoe escaped with minor injuries, his Cinelli Bootleg bike was not so lucky.

The bicycle was broken into several pieces and it is not yet known if it can be fixed.

Police say there were called at 11.25pm to reports of a collision between a bike and a car.

A spokesman added: "Officers attended. No serious injuries were reported."