A MAN was airlifted to hospital and left fighting for his life after a cycling accident in Lochwinnoch.

The 36-year-old man was on the track near Barr Castle on Sunday, April 9 at 9.50am when the incident took place.

As he was not wearing a helmet he was left with horrific head injuries - a broken skull and two broken collarbones.

It is believed that as he was using an older bike, the chain jammed which caused him to suddenly stop and fall off.

He was flown to hospital where his condition was considered as life threatening at the time.

Inspector Cassie Glass said: "A 36-year-old man had been cycling without a helmet on when he fell off.

"He was fighting for his life but his condition is now no longer life threatening after he was taken to the hospital.

"However he is still in bad health and is suffering from a broken skull and two broken collarbones.

"We'd like to get the message out there how important it is to wear a helmet when cycling.

"As the weather gets warmer more people are likely to get on their bikes.

"However this incident highlights why you should be wearing a helmet - it could save your life."