Scene of a fatal collision between a freight train and cyclist on Fendalton Road

The musical community is in mourning after a longstanding figure in the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) was killed when he rode his bike into the path of a train.

Police confirmed Richard Chandler, 52, died after he was hit at the Fendalton Rd railway crossing at 8.11am on Thursday.

Chandler, who was westbound, was riding on the footpath when he was hit by the southbound KiwiRail freight train.

CHRISTCHURCH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Richard Chandler, 52, was killed after he rode his bike into the path of a train in Fendalton Rd on February 11.

Barrier arms over the level crossing and flashing lights were believed to be working at the time. The barrier arms do not go over the footpath.

Chandler died at the scene. His was the first road fatality in Canterbury this year.

Chandler, the associate principal of bassoon in the CSO, was an accomplished musician and well-known music teacher.

CARYS MONTEATH Flowers were left in memory of Richard Chandler.

CSO marketing manager Michelle Walsh said he was a "highly regarded and valued" member of the orchestra, which he had played in for more than 30 years.

He often used his bike to get to classical piano lessons for his students and rehearsals. His mother was a regular concert-goer, she said.

"It's such an incredibly sad and difficult time for everyone. His loss will be sorely felt throughout the community . . . he will be very missed," Walsh said.

KIRK HARGREAVES A police officer removes Richard Chandler's bike from the scene.

"He was a highly dedicated music teacher throughout Christchurch. He taught at many of the Christchurch schools."

According to his CSO bio, Chandler began studying bassoon at the age of 11. He first played in the CSO in 1983.



Between 1987 and 1991, he studied piano and bassoon at the Guildhall School of Music in London. He had been the second bassoonist in the CSO since 1992, before becoming the associate principal of bassoon.



KIRK HARGREAVES/FAIRFAX NZ Police at the Fendalton Rd railway crossing.

In his spare time, Chandler was an avid traveller and photographer. He visited 78 countries in all seven continents.



Senior Sergeant Roy Appley police were yet to determine what led to Chandler's death, which has been referred to the coroner.



Several Christchurch Boys' High School students witnessed the collision while travelling to school.

Headmaster Nic Hill said the students received counselling. Some were collected by parents and taken home.

St John confirmed the cyclist died at the scene.

Another cyclist, who arrived in the area shortly after, said the train was stopped on the tracks between Daresbury Lane and Fendalton Rd and the driver put his head out of the window.

"He was asking, 'Did I just hit somebody?' His face looked very ashen," said the cyclist, who did not want to be named.

A KiwiRail spokeswoman said the freight train was travelling from Picton to Christchurch.

The train driver would be relieved of his duties and offered counselling, she said.

"[It] is another tragic reminder of the need to always expect trains and stay alert at level crossings. Lights and bells are installed at level crossings to not only alert motorists but also cyclists and pedestrians that a train is approaching.

"Unfortunately, these kinds of incidents do happen from time to time. It is very traumatic for the victim and his family but also for our staff, the emergency services and those who witnessed it."