Nelson biker's death the first fatality in 27 years at Greymouth Motorcycle Street Races

Police at the scene of Sunday's fatal motorcycle crash during the opening race of the annual Greymouth Motorcycle Street Races. Photo / Greymouth Star

Organisers of the Greymouth Motorcycle Street Races are forging ahead with plans to return in 2017, after a Nelson competitor died following a crash during the very first race on Sunday.

It was the first fatality in the 27-year history of the popular races, which draw riders from throughout New Zealand.

The high-speed crash claimed the life of Guy Lowe, aged in his 50s.

Mr Lowe, competing in the Bears class, crashed his bike in Herbert St shortly before 11am. He died in the ambulance on the way to hospital.

Sergeant Paul Watson of the Greymouth police confirmed two bikes were involved in the crash but declined to give further details because of the ongoing investigation.

Racing was suspended for about four hours while police investigated the crash scene, and resumed about 3pm.

Greymouth Motorcycle Street Races committee president Dave McNoe said there was no doubt that continuing with the races was the right thing to do.

"It wasn't a hard decision, it was the right thing to do, a healing decision. It made it easier to handle," Mr McNoe said.

The crowd had been supportive and understanding of the delays and the ongoing scene investigation, as well as riders, marshals and other volunteers.

"We all came together like a big family. We had a briefing. It was a healing process.
"We're glad we ran the round and all our systems worked."

The committee was now working with Motorcycling New Zealand and Mr Lowe's family, Mr McNoe said.

West Coast-Tasman MP Damien O'Connor, who officially opened the races just an hour before the fatality, said it was a terrible tragedy but, in perspective, it was high-speed motor racing.

"This is racing, it's inherently risky. For this to be the first tragedy in 27 years, the organisers should be applauded for working hard to keep it safe," Mr O'Connor said.

He hoped the tragedy would not prevent a future event in 2017.

"It's a risk of motorcycle racing. It's made as safe as possible but when people are racing there are risks. That's the reality."

Immediately after the crash, police appealed for witnesses to the crash and anyone who had photos or video footage of it to come forward to help their investigation.

An outpouring of grief and tributes to Mr Lowe has appeared on social media.

Mr Lowe was a member of the Bears Motorcycle Club, which posted a message to its Facebook page: "It is with great sadness that we had a fellow Bears member pass away due to a racing incident at the Greymouth Street Racing today. We would like to offer our condolences to his family and friends."

The club acknowledged the organisers of the races for their professionalism and caring for one of its own.

"He will be sadly missed by the Bears."

WorkSafe NZ confirmed this morning it had been notified and was making initial inquiries to determine whether it would investigate.

- Greymouth Star