Friends of cyclist killed in hit-and-run beg driver to come forward

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Wed, 21 Oct 2009 6:44p.m.

Today the only witness to the fatal crash, Peter Kalinowski, was at the scene assisting police with thier investigation

Today the only witness to the fatal crash, Peter Kalinowski, was at the scene assisting police with thier investigation

An eye-witness speaks for the first time about the awful experience of watching his cycling buddy get knocked down and killed in a hit-and-run.

Father of five and North Shore doctor Graham Robinson was hit on Peak Rd in Helensville last Wednesday.

The driver, who did not stop or do anything to assist, has managed to evade police for one week now.

Today the only witness to the fatal crash, Peter Kalinowski, was back at the scene as the police investigation intensifies.

It was the first time he had been back on his bike since the incident.

“When I got off the bike and went to him, I called out his name several times – he did not respond,” Mr Kalinowski says of the moment one of his best friends was struck by the vehicle.

Today he retraced the route for police.

“I can’t understand why he came in so close,” he says of the driver.

Mr Robinson was a father, a grandfather, and for the past 20 years a North Shore doctor.

Mr Kalinowski, a fellow doctor and cyclist, was desperate to help him after he was hit.

When asked if there was much he could do, Mr Kalinowski says, “there is very little that one can do – except make sure that he was breathing, and to be his companion and his friend”.

He says he heard the car, called out to his friend, when the car swerved in and hit Mr Robinson – then kept driving.

The vehicle that hit him is believed to be a white 80s or 90s Toyota Hilux, with an older canopy on the back.

Police set up four checkpoints today to gather information about the person responsible for Mr Robinson’s death.

The circumstances surrounding this hit-and-run are unusual – both the witness and police believe the vehicle had no cause to pull in front of Mr Robinson.

“It was a clear day like today,” says Mr Kalinowski. “There was no cars, no obstacles, no sunstrike – it just shouldn’t have happened.”

Friends are now appealing to help identify the driver.

Chris Boberg, another doctor and friend of Mr Robinson, says everyone who knew him is in deep shock.

“All his life he was just so wonderful. He gave to people, was an understated chappie – he was so lovely to be with,” he says.

“Please just come forward, put it all to rest – be up front and honest about it.”
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Comments

04 Nov 2009 01:22p.m.

Robyn Lonsdale wrote:

I know I'm late with this email about the cycling debate but what can I say, I've been busy.
I was a 40 year woman when I started cycling to work from Massey, West Auckland to Auckland CBD everyday commuting to work. One little woman on my own. During the 4+ years I was doing this trip I have been run off the road by buses twice, spat at, yelled at, had my bottom patted (yes, while still on the road) had too many near misses to mention and run into a car that pulled out in front of me. I am a very cautious cyclist as after all this is my life we're talking about here. But at the same time I have had many a courteous driver give me consideration on the road as well. I've met many awesome people, who like me risked to be a little bit different; caring for my budget, health and the environment as well. One day a chap stuck by me cycling along side me, nearly all the way home because a wasn't feeling very well! You just don't get that in a car and you see so much more of the lovely place we live. Time slows down when you're cycling.
Why don't we use the footpath more I hear some of you ask? Broken glass for 1 thing! It's everywhere and especially on the footpaths and besides that's where you all want to walk isn't it, not be confronted with a bike?
Look people, be kind to each other!! Aren't we the same people who would help each other if a sunami struck and wiped us out as has just happen to our neighbors of the Pacific? Aren't we all the same people who would call on each other either as victums or rescuers? Aren't we the same people just trying to get about our lives the best way we can? In any given situation you are in, just imagine the other person is you! How would you like to be treated? It's not hard really. Be kind to each other, the alternative is just not worth it.
Signed
Robyn-a considerate,kind,proud cyclist

24 Oct 2009 09:54p.m.

Andrew wrote:

Appeals to the driver’s sense of decency are pointless. Had this person robbed or burgled there is always a chance that stolen goods will be recovered and restored to their rightful owners. But in this unfortunate and tragic case nothing is going to restore this man’s life. Why then surrender yourself to the wrath of society and of the grieving family?

21 Oct 2009 08:22p.m.

shelly wrote:

People die on our roads all the time BUT to do this and just drive away knowing you have hurt or killed someone is just lower than lower. BE a man or woman as the case maybe and hand yourself in to the police as you will be found you cannot hide forever.

21 Oct 2009 07:59p.m.

NP wrote:

This is such a tragic story and my heart goes out to Dr Robinson's family, friends and colleagues. What a tragic waste of life to someone who was clearly so giving. I did not know Dr Robinson but I would like to make a donation to the website of the charity he was supporting as a way of acknowledging his own gift to the cause (sadly the gift of his life in this instance). Could 3news provide the website address of this charity/donation site. Thank you.