A moment of inattention as he changed the radio in his truck was the reason a Christchurch glazier gave for not seeing two cyclists on the road near Twizel before he hit them, killing one and injuring the other, in March 2017.

Keith Alan Hewitt, 27, appeared before Judge Joanna Maze in the Timaru District Court on Thursday, for sentencing on two charges of careless use of a motor vehicle, one of which resulted in the death of Japanese cyclist Mitsuaki Inagaki.

Hewitt was sentenced to 80 hours' community work, ordered to pay Inagaki's widow $5000, and to pay $3000 to Inagaki's then 62-year-old British riding companion, who was injured after being hit by the truck.

SUPPLIED Japanese cyclist Mitsuaki Inagaki, who died after he was hit by a vehicle driven by Keith Alan Hewitt.

Hewitt was also disqualified from driving for nine months.

Inagaki​ died after being hit by Hewitt as he and the British cyclist rode just south of the Aoraki/Mt Cook turn-off on State Highway 8 on March 15, 2017.

The pair were part of a group of 29 riders participating in a 1200-kilometre Tiki Tour ride around the mid and lower South Island organised by Kiwi Randonneurs, New Zealand's long-distance cycling association.

They were behind the rest of the group when Hewitt, who was travelling to Twizel from Lake Pukaki, collided with them.

Hewitt's lawyer, Elizabeth Bulger, said she had submitted references and a letter from Hewitt to the victims following a pre-sentence report, and requested the judge consider further credit.

In her summary Judge Maze said she had "received a number of letters and other items of written material which indicate the profound impact this has had upon you".

"It's a shame restorative justice cannot occur. Understandably they are not ready for it to occur," Judge Maze said.

However, she rejected the suggestion by Hewitt's defence that his act of carelessness was at the lower end of scale.

"I did not accept it then and I don't think it now.

"I think there were multiple aspects of carelessness on your part. The starting point was at a medium level," the judge said.

"Cyclists are common in Mackenzie Country. The offending occurred on the open road.

"To allow oneself to be distracted has to be in the medium or higher end. You failed to see the cyclists, you were trying to drive and adjust the radio.

"I maintain my position to the carelessness.

"The impacts on you have been significant. You are a young and highly contributing member of the community," Judge Maze said.

She said Hewitt's letter to his victims might help them see that the burden may be hard to bear for him.

"For all concerned there will be no satisfactory conclusion."

From a starting point the judge said she had earlier indicated 120 hours community service, nine months disqualification, $5000 to Inagaki's widow and $3000 to the second victim.

Judge Maze reduced the term of community work in light of the circumstances.

Hewitt was ordered to pay reparation within 28 days.

Judge Maze declined a media application for an in-court photograph, which had been opposed by Hewitt's counsel.