Seventy-nine-year-old Christchurch resident Michael James Hancock died in a collision while cycling on Dyers Pass Road in the Port Hills on October 9, 2026. Police have closed the route, launched an investigation involving the Serious Crash Unit, and appealed for public assistance to trace the driver of a small white hatchback.
Emergency Crews Respond to Dyers Pass Road
Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews from Governors Bay, Spreydon, and Christchurch City stations mobilized to the scene alongside police officers and Hato Hone St John staff at approximately 10:20am on Friday, October 9, 2026, after receiving urgent calls about a collision involving a cyclist and a motor vehicle near Te Rapaki-o-te Rakiwhakaputa. The medical response team deployed one ambulance, a rapid response unit, and an operations manager.
Authorities shut down Dyers Pass Road entirely between Summit Road and Governors Bay Road, directing motorists to avoid the mountain route while investigators gathered physical evidence.
Witnesses Detail the Port Hills Collision
Local cyclist Ralph Freeman was riding on Dyers Pass Road at the time of the incident. Freeman recounted that the victim was cycling uphill while another driver immediately behind him held back rather than attempting an unsafe pass. Two vehicles headed downhill in the opposite direction just moments later.
The first downhill vehicle, described as a white car, came to a sudden halt, and the driver appeared visibly distressed behind the wheel. That abrupt stop triggered a chain reaction.
“Behind her, the second car hit the brakes hard in an emergency stop, and a downhill cyclist smashed right into the back of it.”
Ralph Freeman, witness
The victim’s wife—who was also out cycling in proper gear on Dyers Pass Road—arrived at the crash site moments after the collision occurred. Freeman described her arrival as heartbreaking
as she reached the scene where emergency crews were working.
Police Search for a White Hatchback
Officers have centered a key part of their inquiry on locating the driver of a vehicle traveling south toward Governors Bay at the time of the accident. Police describe the vehicle of interest as a small white hatchback.
Authorities state that the motorist is not necessarily viewed as a suspect, but officers believe the driver may hold vital details or dashcam footage that can assist the Serious Crash Unit with its technical reconstruction. Police formally released the official contact protocol for anyone who may have witnessed the vehicles involved or captured relevant footage on the morning of October 9.
“Police are asking the driver, or anyone who may know who was driving the vehicle at that time, to get in touch. Anyone with information is asked to contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking ‘Update Report’, or call 105 using file number P067881921.”
New Zealand Police
Police formally identified the deceased cyclist as 79-year-old Michael James Hancock of Christchurch, following the completion of initial notification procedures. Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue as the Serious Crash Unit pursues its examination of the Port Hills roadway.