Cyclist killed near Blenheim named

A cyclist killed on a rural road near Blenheim was riding at night in dark clothing on a bike with no lights. File photo / NZ Herald

Police have named a 60-year-old man who died after being knocked off his bicycle by a van on State Highway 1 this morning.

John Mayers was riding near Blenheim at about 12.30am when he was hit by the heavy van, which was travelling in the same direction.

He was pronounced dead after being taken to Wairau Hospital by ambulance.

An initial investigation into the crash revealed Mr Mayers was wearing dark clothing and had no lights on his bike, police said.

It found he had biked in front the van and the driver did not have time to avoid the collision.

The driver - who was visibly shaken - travelled to Blenheim police station with his passenger after the incident.

Police want hear from a truck driver thought to have told other truck drivers of a cyclist riding near where the fatal crash took place.

The police serious crash unit was currently investigating at the accident site.

- Herald Online