A young cop just out of police college has pleaded guilty to driving charges stemming from the death of a cyclist in East Auckland last month.

Jada Manase pleaded guilty in the Manukau District Court this morning, her lawyer Todd Simmonds confirmed to the Herald.

David Lane, 69, died while cycling on Stancombe Rd on September 17 after Manase struck him with her car in Flat Bush.

Manase, 21, was off duty at the the time and is subject to an internal police professional conduct inquiry and the matter had also been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, police earlier confirmed.

Careless driving causing death while under the influence of alcohol carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison or a $10,000 fine.

Several vehicles parked in the street were also damaged.

Lane, 69, was a reclusive sportsman and talented machine engineer who had been working at a bike shop in recent years, but was due to leave the job this month to begin his retirement and spend more time tinkering with his beloved bicycles.

He had been out on a long-distance training ride on the day of the fatal crash.

His long-time mate Ian Fulton told the Herald that Lane was a bit of a loner, "very smart and very conscientious".

He lived alone and loved listening to Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. He had no family in New Zealand and few friends.

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His sister lives in the UK and it is understood she was planning to travel to New Zealand to make arrangements for her brother.

Fulton helped recruit Lane to Fisher & Paykel four decades ago and the pair became friends, enjoying many training rides together over the years.

Lane had been an accomplished marathon runner, with a record time of two hours, 42 minutes.

He then got involved in triathlons and developed an obsession with bikes.