The impact thrust the 63-year-old man backwards on to the car windscreen before landing on the roadside.

Yesterday, he was in a stable condition in Melbourne’s The Alfred hospital with multiple fractures.

“Had he not been  wearing his helmet it would have been a different story,” Sergeant Darren Sadler said.

“The helmet’s taken the impact when he hit the windscreen.

“Fortunately the driver was travelling below the speed limit. It’s a timely reminder for all cyclists to wear a good quality helmet when they are riding.”

The accident happened in a 100km/h zone on Nigretta Road about 9am. Local crews called in the ambulance helicopter to fly the man to The Alfred for emergency surgery.

Sergeant Sadler said investigations were continuing and no charges had been laid.

pcollins@fairfaxmedia.com.au