Tragic death of biker

A POPULAR musician was killed when his motorbike collided with a car trying to do a U-turn.

An inquest this week heard that 21-year-old Mike Brown, of Beech Avenue, Biggleswade, died after his Kawasaki motorbike hit a Nissan Almera on the A1198 near Whaddon.

Mr Brown had been travelling southbound from Biggleswade to the Army's Bassingbourn Barracks where he worked as a civilian armourer, on August 8 this year.

The inquest heard that the driver of the car, who had also been driving south, had stopped in a layby after missing his turning, and was intending to turn his car around.

The driver told police that before pulling out he had checked for other vehicles on the road, waiting for those he saw to pass.

But as he pulled away he hit Mr Brown, who was thrown forwards over the front of the car and died instantly.

Pc Francis Crawford, who investigated the incident, told the inquest that there were no defects with the road surface or either vehicle.

He added: "There was no evidence to suggest that the Kawasaki motorcycle was being ridden in anything other than the correct manner."

PC Crawford said instead the cause of the crash was the driver of the Nissan failing to see the motorbike.

Coroner David Morris said: "There's no doubt that Mr Brown doesn't appear to have been going in excess of the speed limit of 60 mph.

"There is evidence that he became aware of the vehicle too late but did apply his brake.

"The Nissan Almera had not been travelling at any speed but was doing a U-turn into his path."

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Morris added: "There's no evidence to suggest that Mr Brown in any way contributed to his death."

Mr Brown was a well-known bass player with Biggleswade band Attaka.

He lived with his mother and had a long-term girlfriend who also lives in Biggleswade.

# The driver of the Nissan Almera is due to appear before magistrates at a future date.