Investigation and inquest
On 4th August 2015 I commenced an investigation into the death of Robert Walker, age 62. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 8th March 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was that Mr Walker died from multiple injuries as a result of a road traffic collision.
Circumstances of the death
On 4th August 2015 Mr Walker was riding his Triumph motorcycle with a group of other motorcyclists travelling north on Old Farleigh Road, South London. The group was riding within the speed limit and Mr Walker was not impaired by alcohol, drugs or illness. He lost control of his motorcycle on the second of two bends close to the Farleigh Border and Hillocks Wood.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) The bend lacks sufficient deviation markings
(2) There is a tree trunk near the edge of the carriageway that presents a danger to road users particularly cyclists
(3) A path that approaches the road and is well used by walkers has a surface that could cause walkers to slip into the carriageway.
(The matters of concern are summarised in the report of ████████ from Catford Traffic Police. An extract from his report is attached.