Longtown biker killed after 4x4 driver failed to see him at junction
Last updated 16:38, Wednesday, 03 December 2008
A Longtown man who died after his motorbike was hit by a car was an avid bike fan who had been riding since his early teens.
Gary Ryan, 34, was killed when his Yamaha R1 was in collision with a Kia Sportage 4x4 on the Brampton to Longtown road on April 3, earlier this year.
An inquest in Carlisle heard that Mr Ryan, of Mary Street, Longtown, was travelling towards Brampton when the deadly collision occurred at 8am.
He was thrown from his bike and pronounced dead at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle after suffering mass internal bleeding when an artery ruptured in the impact.
Mr Ryan, who worked as a mechanic, collided with the driver’s side of the Kia which was turning right towards Longtown on the A6071.
The car, being driven by Joseph McGee of Gretna, was leaving the junction at Autobits garage, opposite Whitesyke Garden Centre.
Mr Magee told officers he did not see the bike to his right until he heard an “almighty crash” and then looked outside his car to see the bike under the car and Mr Ryan lying face down on the road.
Mr Ryan’s mother, Linda Ryan, who gave evidence at the inquest, said: “Gary always had a motorbike and they were a big part of his life.”
She added that Gary and his friends would buy bikes and restore them and he would ride them as a hobby in Kershope Forest.
“He had four bikes at one point and had owned his Yamaha bike for a year. Gary also used the bike for work.
“He was an experienced driver and passed his test for mopeds at 16-years-old and his test for motorcycles and cars at 17,” Mrs Ryan added.
Witnesses described seeing Mr Ryan being thrown from his bike and across the Kia 4x4.
One told police that the biker appeared to be driving faster then the national speed limit.
But road traffic collision investigator PC French, told the inquest the damage to the motor vehicles was not that of a high speed impact.
He believed Mr Ryan was travelling closer to 60 miles per hour than 100.
When recording a verdict accidental death, Coroner for North and West Cumbria John Taylor, said: “Mr Magee did not see the motorbike approaching.
“Mr Ryan had his lights on, and when he saw Mr Magee pulling out he began to brake but he was not able to take sufficient action to avoid a collision.
“Gary Ryan died as a result of an accident.”
