Rare charge laid against cyclist who bowled pedestrian

French backpacker Cyril Millet. Photo / Facebook

A pedestrian whose hip was broken after being run down by a cyclist riding on a footpath holds no malice but is pleased police decided to lay charges.

French backpacker Cyril Millet, 24, was cycling on a Manchester St footpath in Christchurch last month when office worker Bruce Royston Hewitt was leaving work for the night.

As 54- year-old Mr Hewitt closed his office door, Millet hit him, knocking him to the pavement.

"I never even saw the bike, something just threw me to the ground," Mr Hewitt said yesterday. "I was in shock but I remember [the cyclist] hardly spoke a word of English. In fact, the poor guy found my phone for me under a car and I had to ring 111 myself before I pretty much fainted. At least he waited there."

Mr Hewitt was taken to Christchurch Hospital by ambulance with a fractured hip after the February 16 incident which occurred about 6.45pm.

He underwent surgery and spent three nights in hospital.

Millet, in New Zealand on a one-year working holiday visa, was charged with the rare charge of operating a vehicle carelessly and thereby causing injury.

He appeared in the dock with the assistance of a French-speaking interpreter yesterday to plead guilty.

Police said reparation of $600 was being sought.

Judge Tony Couch said it was an interesting case, given that the significant injury was caused by a bicycle.

"It turns out even rollerblades apply as a vehicle," police prosecutor sergeant Paul Scott said.

Millet was remanded on bail until April 2 at 2.15pm for a restorative justice conference.

He made no comment as he left court.

Earlier he told NZME. News Service he did not see Mr Hewitt.