Identity of injured cyclist a mystery

Police were late last night trying to identify a cyclist with serious head injuries after he crashed on Mount Pleasant Road in Christchurch.

Acting Sergeant Chris Barker, of the Sydenham police, said the cyclist was admitted to Christchurch Hospital's intensive care unit after crashing while travelling at speed downhill, near Seamount Terrace, about 7.15pm.

The man, believed to be in his 40s, had a cycle helmet with him, but was not wearing it.

"We still don't know who he is," Barker said.

"We are trying to find his next of kin. He's had no ID on him and he's in a bad way."

There was no vehicle involved in the accident.

"It just goes to show you should always wear your helmet."

If anyone saw the crash or had any information they should contact the Sydenham police, Barker said.

In another Port Hills incident, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter transported a hang-glider to Christchurch Hospital after he crashed into the side of a hill near Coopers Knob at 4.15pm.

St John Ambulance spokesman Ian Henderson said the man had received serious injuries and was taken to the hospital's emergency department.

A 22-year-old Nelson man is also in Christchurch Hospital in the intensive care unit after a "car surfing" incident in North Canterbury on Saturday morning.

Senior Constable Chris Hughey told 3 News that Kane Heal had his trousers down and was mooning other vehicles from the roof when he fell at a speed of at least 80km/h.

Heal required facial surgery after sliding 20 metres face-first along State Highway 7, at Mackintosh Flat about 10km north of the Hanmer Springs turn-off.

Heal had been climbing on top of a Nissan Skyline driven by his girlfriend as they travelled from Nelson to Christchurch.

There were long traffic delays as emergency services, including a helicopter from Christchurch, attended the incident.

- © Fairfax NZ News