It's shaping up to be a terrible year on the roads for cyclists, with the number of fatalities more than triple that of 2016.
The 18 cyclist fatalities so far this year stands with close to three weeks left in the year. The total number of cyclists killed on our roads in 2016 was five - slightly fewer than the 6 cyclists that died on our roads in 2015.
To date, 352 people have been killed on New Zealand's roads, compared to 304 this time in 2016.
Road policing Superintendent Steve Greally said the numbers relating to cyclist fatalities were very concerning.
"They've tripled. Over tripled, almost quadrupled."
Greally also noted that the number of pedestrian deaths was up from the year before.
"They're all vulnerable road users, they're the users of our roads that don't have the protection of a car, a truck or a van."
Greally thought a spike in cyclist deaths could be due to warm, dry weather encouraging Kiwis to bike, rather than drive to work. An increase in the number of people taking up cycling as a hobby could factor in, too.
Of the 18 deaths so far this year, 13 were people over the age of 40. Twelve of these 13 fatalities were men, with females making up just 2 of the total 18.
Alongside the fatalities, 556 cyclists had been injured in crashes.
Just last week 51-year-old City Mission social worker John Bonner died when his bike was involved in a crash with a car in the Auckland suburb of Te Atatu.
At the couple's home, Bonner's partner Arna Hutton spoke to the Herald about the loss of the man she described as her "kindred spirit" and the "most wonderful father" to their sons, aged 13, 15 and 17.
"It's a huge loss for our family. It's just enormous for the wellbeing of our children, who we have spent every moment ensuring that they are kept well and loved and protected.
Police are investigating the circumstances around the crash.
Back in September an 8-year-old girl was killed when she was hit by a truck whilst biking home from school.
The Cycling Action Network hailed the preliminary figures for this year as "disturbing."
Spokesperson Patrick Morgan said on average, there were around 10 to 12 crashes each year. The increase mirrored an overall rise in road deaths, he said, however it was hard to know what else was behind the spike.
"There are a number of theories around why this could be - it could be a general rise in the number of people cycling in New Zealand, or an over representation of heavy vehicles on our roads."
Morgan said we needed a wraparound approach in order to cut this number down.
He wanted to see more 30km/h or 40km/h speed limits in inner-city areas and better signage at intersections.
Cyclists could also help themselves, he said, by "following road rules" and "not being an idiot".
The Transport Agency's Crash Analysis System was a useful tool in looking at factors contributing to crashes involving cyclists that resulted in injuries or death.
Glenn Koorey from traffic engineering company ViaStrada said figures generated through the system showed at least 60% of these crashes were at an intersection or a driveway.
Another common factor was heavy vehicles. Around 30% of fatal crashes involving cyclists also involved a truck - though Koorey said this percentage had been much higher this year.
Heading into the holiday period, which was typically busy and fraught with accidents, Steve Greally was encouraging all road users to be aware of one another.
"We just want people to be safe. Give cyclists space, it's not just a bike, it's a person on a bike with a family, friends, a life. Whether you're a cyclist or a motorist, we've got to be aware that we share the roads.
"And if you've got different view on that, get over it."
