This is the shocking moment a tree branch snapped and fell onto an oncoming cyclist in a freak accident.

CCTV footage shows the resident pedalling in the bicycle lane when the branch snapped and flattened him in Hunan Province, China.

The man can be seen dropping onto the asphalt immediately after the impact on December 12.

His bicycle was also damaged in the incident, with the wheels visibly dented.

Ms Liu, the victim's daughter, confirmed that her father was injured in the incident but is now recovering.

Local media reported that the city management department failed to reach a compensation agreement with the victim, prompting Ms Liu to file a lawsuit.

A staff member from the Shifeng District Urban Management Bureau claimed that the trees were maintained normally, and the branch broke due to strong windy weather.

Ms Liu argues that the management department should bear full responsibility, while the authorities believe they should bear only part of the responsibility.

The city spokesman said that various departments have organised and coordinated multiple times without resolution. They suggested Ms Liu should now proceed through judicial procedures.