MINI speed bumps will be installed beside the Yarra River as part of a plan to put the brakes on cyclists hooning past pedestrians on shared paths.

It comes as a retiree smashed his head on the ground and suffered a broken pelvis when “bowled over from behind” by a bike outside Crown Casino.

Statistics show Christmas is a high-risk time on city roads, with a half of all road injuries in central Melbourne last December a result of collisions between cyclists and pedestrians.

One of the latest victims, John Kelly, 65, wants authorities to crack down on riders speeding on Yarra Promenade and has called for people on bikes and skateboards to be kept clear of pedestrians.

Speaking from his bed at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where he was awaiting surgery, the Sunbury man told the Herald Sun how he suffered concussion and broken bones after he was knocked to the ground while Christmas shopping on December 11.

“I walked about 40 or 50 metres and then bang — I was on the ground,” Mr Kelly said. “I was hit from behind, I had no warning.

“I have a recollection of the wheel of the bike hitting my legs and flicking my legs out from under me.”

Mr Kelly was expected to spend Christmas in hospital and doctors said he would not walk for at least six weeks.

His wife, Chris, said the experience had been “traumatic” and she feared someone could be killed if authorities did not act.

Stencil markings on the path direct cyclists to steer clear of pedestrians but the Herald Sun has witnessed riders speeding and weaving around pedestrians.

City of Melbourne spokeswoman Kate Millar said the council would install “rumble strips” on Southbank Promenade, between Princes Bridge and Queensbridge St, to encourage cyclists to abide by the 10km/h speed limit.

andrea.hamblin@news.com.au

Twitter: @AndieHamblin