A CYCLIST who was hit by a truck on a busy central Geelong street has died.

Police have confirmed the Newtown man died from the shocking injuries he incurred after being struck on Ryrie St, about 8.15am.

Patrolling police were in the area at the time and man was quickly taken to the Geelong hospital in a critical condition, but attempts to save him failed.

“Unfortunately a cyclist this morning has been hit by a truck on Ryrie St, Geelong and unfortunately ... as he arrived at hospital he has passed away,” Acting Sergeant Jane Arnold said.

“We’re not really sure (what happened), we’re investigating that at the moment other than the truck driving didn’t know that he had hit him and we’re making some inquiries in relation to that.”

The driver of the truck, a 58-year-old Portarlington man, was not injured and stopped immediately to render assistance.

Ryrie St is expected to stay closed to traffic until about noon as police investigate.

The cyclist had been dragged from the pedestrian lights on Ryrie St to the intersection of Moorabool St.

The incident happened in front of horrified bystanders on their way to work.

Police are continuing to establish what happened, and are also check on the welfare of witnesses.