Cyclist's death brings Waikato toll to 26

File photo / NZ Herald

Schoolchildren will be offered victim support after witnessing the death of a cyclist in a crash at a Hamilton roundabout this afternoon.

Police said the accident happened after the 57-year-old cyclist tried to "underpass" a school bus giving way at a roundabout on the intersection of River Rd and Wairere Dr around 2.05pm.

He crashed into the side of the truck as it was heading through the intersection and was dragged a short way before being run over.

The man received critical injuries and died at the scene.

Waikato police spokesman Andrew McAlley said the cyclist's family would be suffering.

School pupils on the bus who had seen the crash would be given victim support, he said.

"The impact of these crashes ripples out."

The death was the fourth fatality in five days for the Waikato District.

It brought the area's road toll to 26 for 2011 - more than double that of any other police district, Mr McCauley said.

District road policing manager Leo Tooman said the toll was both tragic and preventable.

"What this means is there are 26 families not able to celebrate the holiday weekend with their loved ones, we need consider the consequences before we make risky decisions such as today's."

The crash is still being investigated by the Waikato Serious Crash Unit.

Police are planning to increase their numbers on Waikato roads over Queen's Birthday weekend.

- NZHERALD STAFF