Family of motorcyclist who died after pulling wheelie release footage as warning to others

Police urge motorcyclists to ride 'safely and sensibly' after tragedy in Sussex

The family of a motorcyclist killed after pulling a wheelie have released footage of the crash to urge other bikers not to take the same risk.

Filmed from a camera mounted on the man’s Suzuki, it shows the 50-year-old riding with friends near Goodwood in Chichester before accelerating and lifting the front wheel off the road.

A van is seen approaching on the other side of the road before the camera spins and shows debris flying through the air, coming to a stop in the road.

The Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit described the man as an “experienced motorcyclist” and said the distressing video was released with his family’s support to highlight the risk of wheelies.

Sergeant Phil Badman said the rider, from Surrey, was pronounced dead at the scene after losing control and falling into the van’s path on 7 August.

“The victim was an experienced rider who had enjoyed numerous outings with fellow bikers prior to this incident,” he added.

Footage released by a motorcyclist's family showed his last moments before being killed in a tragic accident near Goodwood (Sussex Police)

“He and his friends were all wearing the appropriate clothing and safety equipment, and no one anticipated that this ride would be his last.

“It was undoubtedly a hugely traumatic experience for all parties involved, and our thoughts remain with them.”

Sgt Badman said the footage was intended to show what can happen when riders are not fully in control of their bikes.

“Motorbikes are powerful machines and they should be treated as such; failing to do so can lead to devastating consequences,” he added.

Ahead of the National Police Chiefs’ Council national motorcycle week of action next week, forces are releasing advice aiming to reduce the number of collisions.

Motorcyclists make up just 1 per cent of road traffic in the UK but account for 20 per cent of all deaths, making them statistically the most vulnerable road users in the country.

Between January and June this year, eight motorcyclists have been killed in collisions in Sussex alone and a further 102 seriously injured.

Police are urging bikers to ride with their lights on, wearing protective and high-visibility clothing, ride “safely and sensibly” and consider riding courses.

Sgt Badman said: “It is important to add that other road users also have a responsibility to be aware of motorcyclists and take the necessary precautions, such as checking mirrors, looking both ways at junctions and being aware of what’s around you.”