Motorcyclist killed after 'clipping kerb in crash'
A motorcyclist was killed after tragically losing control of his bike after he clipped a kerb, an inquest heard.
Allan Wright, aged 63, from Rosalind Avenue, Dudley, died at the scene of the crash on the A456 Bewdley bypass, near the Wharton Park Golf Club, on June 9.
Mr Wright lost control of his motorcycle after his back wheel clipped a kerb on approaching the roundabout, Worcestershire Coroner's Court heard.
Malcolm Smith, a HGV driver who witnessed the fatal crash, said: "I had just come from Hartlebury and came down through Stourport and to the Bewdley bypass.
"It was about two o'clock in the afternoon and there were two cars in front of me.
"Allan passed me and the two cars and then pulled in front of them and then came out again.
"There was a little bit of kerb that sticks out and his wheel clipped that.
"The back of the bike twitched and lost control and hit the roundabout.
"The bike went flying through the air and hit a signpost and he landed on his head.
"I went to help and a lady was holding his hand.
"It was very upsetting but everyone was doing their best to save Allan.
"There had been no problem with his driving, he wasn't speeding but driving safe.
"It was a beautiful sunny day so the visibility was good too."
The medical cause of death given was head injuries.
Mr Wright, who was a maintenance man and was described by his family as a loving husband, father and granddad, had been driving in fifth gear at the time of the accident.
A technical calculation estimated the speed of the bike to have been around 30mph.
A post mortem conducted by the Worcestershire Royal Hospital, detailed that no alcohol was present in his system, and there were traces of two prescription drugs for angina and diabetes.
A police report showed that no mechanical defaults were found on the bike and road conditions did not play a part in the loss of control.
Pc Jonathan Rice, collision investigator, said: "Unfortunately I believe that he was in the wrong gear and appeared to be unprepared for the roundabout having struck that kerb."
Senior Coroner for Worcestershire, Mr Geraint Williams, concluded a verdict of accidental death.
He added: "He devastatingly lost control of his bike, clipping the kerb leaving him with a fatal head injury.
"This is an incredibly sad series of events."
