Cyclist hurt after dog leaps from car

A 66-year-old man on a marathon cycle ride was lucky to escape with his life when a "large" dog leapt from a passing ute at his bike in outback WA, about 11km from Broome.

The animal struck the back wheel on Broome Highway, causing Melvin "Kingsley" Bristow to "fly through the air" before hitting the ground.

The force knocked him out and shattered his helmet in several places.

Stunned police carrying out a traffic operation watched the bizarre event unfold on May 21 from about 70m away.

Speaking about the freak accident with his arm and leg heavily bandaged and walking with a painful limp, Mr Bristow said the only thing he could remember was waking up in Broome Hospital.

"All the lights went out," he said.

"All I know is that if I wasn't wearing that helmet, I would probably be dead."

Mr Bristow and his wife Eileen, 64, normally stay in Broome about five months a year to get away from the cold weather in Albany.

As part of his routine, he cycles 70km from the Cable Beach Caravan Park to the Roebuck Plains Roadhouse and back again three times a week.

Sergeant Paul World said one of two large dogs jumped from the vehicle and hit the back wheel of the bicycle.

"The rider was extremely lucky because the point of contact forced him to land vertically instead of him falling over the handlebars," he said.

"This gentleman was able to virtually walk away for one reason - he was wearing a helmet."

Sgt World said there was a lead around the dog's neck but it had come off.

The animal survived with brazes and abrasions.

He could not say if charges or an infringement notice were pending.

"We are still investigating the accident and conducting inquiries like any other road crash," he said. Mr Bristow praised St John Ambulance and Broome Hospital staff for their "professional" and "cheerful" service.