James Hird has been taken to hospital after he was hit by a car while cycling in Melbourne's inner suburbs.

It's understood the former AFL star was cycling in the bike lane on Burnley Street near Palmer Street in Richmond on Wednesday afternoon when the collision occurred.

It's understood James Hird was cycling when he was hit by a car in Richmond. Credit:. Photo: Penny Stephens

Hird, 45, was was helped by two bystanders, one of whom witnessed the collision.

A Victoria Police spokesman said they responded to reports of a collision between a car and a cyclist just before 3pm.