The hunt is on for a hit-and-run killer driver following the death of a prominent Northland road safety campaigner.
Frederick (Fred) Joseph Ogle, a civil engineer, was cycling on State Highway 14 near Maungatapere, about 12km south-west of Whangarei on Saturday at 9.20pm when he was struck.
The driver did not stop and 48-year-old Mr Ogle died at the scene where a passing lane ends near the Kara Rd turnoff.
The hunt for the driver was continuing today, with police keen to find a silver or light-coloured car _ which is likely to have damage to the front of the vehicle or a smashed windscreen.
A friend of the family of 18 years, who asked not to be named, described Mr Ogle as a devoted family man and an "enthusiast for life" who had an "absolutely generous smile".
The unexpected death had been "numbing" for friends and family who gathered at the family home in Maunu over the weekend.
"The family are dealing with the grief of losing Fred. They haven't really started asking why but I know there are mutterings in the wider community with people questioning why the person didn't stop," she said yesterday.
"As a friend and for the family I just want the person who did this to come forward."
She said Saturday morning rides were a ritual for Mr Ogle who had been out training for the gruelling 160km around-Lake Taupo race, which he had already completed 10 times.
Mr Ogle, a father of two, had just left his usual riding companion about five minutes earlier and was near the brow of a hill heading toward Whangarei, when he was hit by a vehicle travelling in the same direction.
His death has stunned those who knew him through his road-safety work and business - and has drawn angry calls for the driver to give themselves up.
Northland Road Safety Association president Robbie Stevenson said Mr Ogle had worked as the association treasurer for four years and had tried to make roads a safer place for all.
"He's a very keen and dedicated community man and did things with great gusto."
Mr Ogle was a familiar face at the roadside Fatigue Stops at Uretiti that encouraged drivers to take a break and provided them with coffee and information.
Mr Stevenson said his mate was into his biking, was very safe and always wore the right gear.
"As part of his work with the association he pushed very hard for the cycling fraternity to have better and safer access to places to bike."
Mr Stevenson appealed to the driver who failed to stop.
"Have the guts and put your hand up. You would know this has happened ... it's sickening to think anyone would drive away."
Mr Ogle was the co-owner of Leader Driveways construction company that employs more than 20 staff.
An employee Brian Griffin said his boss was always encouraging and "knew his stuff".
There was a great team spirit within the company and Mr Ogle had been present at a social club midwinter function last weekend.
"He was the sort of person everyone liked," Mr Griffin said. "He was a real fitness fanatic and had a great attitude towards everyone."
Whangarei police Detective Andrew Clubley appealed to the driver to come forward and give their side of the story.
"There is a family who have lost a loved one and they have lots of questions," he said.
Mr Ogle's damaged bike was found next to him on the side of the road.
Another motorist stopped, called emergency services and tried to resuscitate Mr Ogle.
Mr Ogle is survived by his wife Jan and daughters Genna, 23, and Tara, 21, who is returning from England.
* Northland Road Safety Association president Anyone with information is asked to contact Mr Clubley at Whangarei police on (09) 430 4500.
GIVE YOURSELF UP! CYCLIST'S KILLER URGED:
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