A motorist in Sydney has spoken of her shock at seeing a cyclist in rush-hour traffic with a small child clinging to his neck.

The driver, who did not wish to disclose her name, sent a photograph of the pair taken at 6pm on Tuesday evening to Australian newspaper The Daily Telegraph.

A link to the newspaper’s article showing the picture, in which a shopping bag can also be seen dangling from the handlebars of the bike, was posted to Twitter by UK-based advanced driving instructor Peter Owen.

The woman who took the picture told the newspaper: “The child looked to be about four years old.

“All I could think was imagine if they hit a bump and how long can he hold on like that for, he was tiny!”

She added that law-breaking motorists in the area were also a concern.

“It’s so dangerous, especially in that part of the city and during peak hour when cars around me are running red lights.”

A spokesman for New South Wales police said: “It is obviously disappointing and dangerous when bicycle riders are non-compliant with helmet matters.

 “It is more alarming when a child’s safety is also compromised in a manner such as this,” he added.

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