Researchers at University College London looked at hospital admissions and deaths in England between 2007 and 2009 for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

"We found that for young male cyclists between 17 and 20 years of age, cycling was markedly safer than travelling by car," lead author Jennifer Mindell said.

In fact, young male drivers were more likely to be injured while travelling than any other combination of age or method of transit.

Mindell said cycling seems more dangerous than it is because of over-reporting of cycling accidents.

"An individual who cycles one hour a day for 40 years would cover about 180,000km, whilst accumulating only a one in 150 chance of fatal injury. This is lower than for pedestrians who face a higher fatality rate per kilometre travelled," she said.