Motorcycle and cycle toll skyrockets after horror weekend on country's roads

Fyfa Dawson, 19, was killed after being hit by a truck at a section of road works on Springs Rd, Christchurch, last week. 11 cyclists have died so far this year. Photo / Supplied

The number of cyclists who have died on the country's roads has more than doubled compared to last year. Four motorcyclists were also killed over the weekend.

A cyclist died after their bike and a car collided on State Highway 1 north of Otaki, in the Horowhenua district yesterday.

The crash happened near Gleeson Rd about 3.30pm.

The death pushes the unofficial number of cycle fatalities on the country's roads to 12, compared to five at the same time last year, according to NZ Transport Agency data.

It comes just days after 19-year-old Fyfa Dawson died after being hit by a truck during a section of major road works on Springs Rd, Christchurch, last week.

An overbridge is currently being constructed in the area where Dawson was killed and it's understood the truck was turning into the roadworks construction site when she was hit.

Four motorcyclists, all in the South Island, were also killed - two in one crash on Dyers Pass Rd, Christchurch, yesterday.

The deaths push the number of motorcyclists to have died on the roads to 47, compared to 39 at the same time last year. It's so far the highest number of deaths in at least five years, while 2017 was the worst for cyclists - when 16 died.

SH1 MANAKAU - CRASH - 3:55PM
Due to a serious crash, the road is now CLOSED near Gleeson Road. All emergency services onsite. Please follow directions of emergency services onsite. ^EH pic.twitter.com/eHafXCYsOc

— Waka Kotahi Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) November 3, 2019

The two motorcyclists were the only vehicles involved in the crash, which happened just after 5pm on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Nelson motorcyclist Caleb Neho, 25, also known as Caleb Wikaira, died of injuries suffered in a crash on Saturday.

Police and ambulance were notified of the crash, which happened on St Vincent St between Beccles Lane and Northesk St, at 5.45pm on Saturday, police said.

Michael Ferris, 58, of Timaru, died after crashing yesterday morning.

Police extended their condolences to his family and friends.

Police confirmed officers were called to the scene near Timaru about 7.50am.

The 58-year-old died after crashing through a fence about 6km north of Timaru on Rosewill Valley Rd.

Overall, 285 people have died so far this year.

Provisional results for 2018 show 377 people died in total.