SAFETY campaigners have issued new warnings to motorists and cyclists to be more aware as the number of charity bike riders on the roads has soared.

With thousands of people now completing the John O'Groats to Land's End ride, as well as scores of other routes, the roads are becoming increasing busy with charity cyclists.

Yesterday 800 pedalled into John O'Groats at the end of their near 1,000 mile journey for the Deloitte Ride Across Britain cycle, which raised an estimated £100,000 day for charity. The John O'Groats to Land's End run is considered one of the most dangerous routes in Britain with the death of at least one cyclist recorded each year.

John Green, the former ­councillor who is regarded locally as the unofficial provost ofthe town, said: "It is estimated that there are around 3,000 or 4,000 end to enders every year. Most of them do try to raise money for charity as a goal."

But some believe it is becoming increasingly dangerous despite the undoubted fitness of the cyclists.

Just last week elite rower Anna Roots, 34, who had represented England in her sport, was knocked down and killed the A836 at Bettyhill in Sutherland.

Ms Roots, whose husband Ian is a top British rowing coach, was taking part in a 12-day charity cycle ride with a friend when she was hit by a lorry and died at the scene. She was ­raising money for leukaemia and lymphoma research.

Sandy Allan, road safety manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: "It is terrible when any person loses their life on our roads but it seems all the more tragic when they were undertaking a journey specifically to help others.

"Any cyclist undertaking a ­charity ride often puts more thought and preparation into their journey than most of us would on a normal commute to work. Unfortunately they are no less susceptible to being injured if involved in a collision."

He said the number of cyclists being injured on our roads across the UK had increased over the last few years.

"All road users need to show consideration to others around them and appreciate driving or riding from their perspective," he said. Jacqui Shannon, spokeswoman for CTC, the national cycling charity, which was founded in 1878 as the Cyclists Touring Club, said: "We receive more enquiries on the cycle route from Lands End to John O'Groats as a cycle challenge, either for a charity or as a personal endeavour, than all our other routes put together.

"Doing an unsupported or a ­self-initiated ride for charity on open roads is gaining popularity which is great for the charities who benefit. The rider, however, needs to remain aware of the road conditions, other users and their own abilities to ensure their own safety."

Last year, Scottish cyclists Andrew McMenigall and Toby Wallace were both cycling on the route when they were run over and killed near to Cornwall.

Earlier this month lorry driver Robert Palmer was jailed for eight-and-a-half years for causing their deaths.

Both cyclists worked for ­Aberdeen Asset Management (AAM) and were raising money for the Kirsten Scott Memorial Trust, named after a 25-year-old colleague who died in 2011.

Mr McMenigall lived in ­Edinburgh with his wife Anne and their two children. He was a keen triathlete and had previously served in the Army.

Mr Wallace and his wife, Claire, lived in Philadelphia where he worked for AAM. Mrs Wallace was originally from Banchory, Aberdeenshire.