Cyclists who wear headphones while riding are increasing their risk of being involved in a serious crash, according to a transport safety expert.

The warning comes after a 45-year-old man cycled into the path of a tram while listening to his iPod in Melbourne’s south today.

Paramedics tend to the cyclist hit by a tram in St Kilda East. Credit:David Pavlich

The Windsor man was pushed along the tram tracks after he was struck on the corner of Williams and Dandenong roads in St Kilda East just before 1pm.

Paramedics say he was lucky to escape with only bruising to his leg and a sore knee in an accident that has put the spotlight on the divisive issue.