Chain reaction crash: Cyclist dies after line of cars in front brake suddenly

A cyclist is dead after a line of cars in front of him were forced to stop when the motorist at the front braked suddenly, the Herald understands.

Canterbury police are still looking for the driver of a white hatchback after the cyclist was killed in the chain-reaction collision on Dyers Pass Rd, near Governors Bay on Friday. The cyclist was named as Michael Hancock.

The man’s wife was cycling with him and came across the scene seconds later.

The Herald understands a driver had braked suddenly while travelling downhill, forcing several other drivers to do the same, before Hancock rode into the back of them.

Police want to speak to the driver of a small white hatchback.

They said they believe the driver may have information that could assist with inquiries and are asking the driver, or anyone who may know who was driving the vehicle at that time, to contact police.

Senior Sergeant Chris Wakelin said on Friday police responded to the crash on Dyers Pass Rd about 10.20am. He said the cyclist died at the scene.

Fire and Emergency said crews from Governors Bay, Spreydon and Christchurch City responded to the crash.

Hato Hone St John said it was notified at 10.16am of a motor vehicle incident on Dyers Pass Rd.