The helper, a former New Zealand Army medic who declined to be named, said he arrived at the scene moments after the accident about 6pm. While he waited for an ambulance to arrive, he administered CPR to the cyclist, who did not have a pulse and was not breathing.
The cyclist received serious head injuries in the accident. He was attended by St John Ambulance staff and transported to Dunedin Hospital, but died a short time later.
Acting Senior Sergeant Paul McLaughlan said it appeared the man had been cycling down Barr St and lost control as he approached a moderate right-hand bend near Elizabeth St.
He praised the actions of the former army medic and his attempt to save the cyclist, saying "anyone who is willing to help emergency services should be commended".
