A Darwin cyclist is lucky to be alive after being run down by a 4WD on an empty stretch of road just outside the CBD.

Video of the July 19 incident taken from the cyclist's rear camera, approximately 30 minutes outside of Darwin, shows the headlights of a 4WD appear in the distance.

Moments later the large vehicle – travelling in a 60km/h zone – collides with the back of the cyclist, throwing him to the ground and knocking him unconscious.

A spokesman for Cycle.org told nine.com.au the rider – who has been in contact with the organisation - is making a slow but steady recovery.

"The cyclist is all right now, walking not riding yet. He had a shattered C7, a punctured lung and broken ribs," the spokesman said.

"He was knocked unconscious and woke up in hospital. Luckily a paramedic overheard the crash and came to the guy's rescue."