Photo / File
A cyclist was killed after colliding with a car on a rural road yesterday morning.
The crash at Kerikeri claimed the life of 54-year-old teacher Bill Bayliss and follows the death of Auckland cyclist John Tangiia, 37, less than two weeks ago.
Bayliss, who was a keen cyclist and squash player, was riding along Kapiro Rd when the crash occurred.
Police said they were speaking with the driver of the car.
Bayliss was head of the mathematics department at Westmount School in Kerikeri.
It's understood he was still alive when ambulance staff reached the scene but died before reaching hospital by rescue helicopter.
Bayliss' wife Jane was too distraught to speak, managing only to describe her husband as a "fantastic guy".
Kerikeri Squash Club president Claude Shepherd said Bayliss - who was the club treasurer - would be sorely missed.
"It's a really tragic loss, he was a real gentle man, he was a very much a community and family man. He was always at every working bee."
Jan Danilo of the Kerikeri Striders Multisports Club said the road where Bayliss died was notorious for speeding.
There had been at least three accidents on the road this summer, he said.
A Kapiro Rd resident, who did not want to be identified, said the scene of the accident looked pretty bad.
"The vehicle has finished on its side, the rescue helicopter has been and gone and what's left of the bike is pretty messy."
The Cycling Advocates Network said it was disappointing to hear another cyclist had died on a New Zealand road. Spokesman Patrick Morgan said councils and the Government needed do more to protect the 1.5 million Kiwis who ride bikes.
Choppers have helped firefighters battle two scrub fires near Wairoa. One is suspicious.