THE DEATH of a 31-year-old motorcyclist in a collision with a tractor could have been avoided, a Huddersfield inquest heard.
Plasterer Marcus James Morton of Longwood Gate, Longwood, was an experienced driver, having ridden motorbikes for more than 14 years.
He died after his bike, a 900cc Honda Fireblade, hit a tractor in New Hey Road, Outlane, at the Round Ings Road junction on June 7 last year.
West Yorkshire Coroner Mr Roger Whittaker recorded a verdict of accidental death.
Mr Morton had gone for a ride with his friend and boss Mr Terence Armitage.
Mr Armitage told the inquest they were driving towards Scammonden at about 40mph.
"I remember a tractor driver turning left on to New Hey Road," he said.
"As Marcus moved to overtake the tractor it seemed the tractor made the manoeuvre to turn.
"I did not see him indicate and neither did some of the witnesses I spoke to."
Witness Gordon Routledge, of Conningley, North Yorkshire, was driving behind the tractor along Round Ings Road and he told the court he saw the tractor driver indicate to turn left into New Hey Road.
"The tractor turned left and immediately headed towards the middle section of the road. I believe that the tractor was indicating.
"I could see the tractor start to turn and could see exactly what was going to happen."
In a statement tractor driver Mr Andrew Clark, a 32-year-old dry stone waller, said he had been driving since he was 17.
"As I approached the junction I indicated left and I do not recall seeing any motorbikes. My intention was to turn right to the farm," he said.
"I coming was out of Round Ings Road and recall indicating to turn right. I started to move across the carriageway. I heard a noise and looked out and saw a motorbike approaching."
He said he carried on moving and then the bike hit the tractor.
"I accept ... that the right indicator was on and sadly Mr Morton did not realise until too late," said Mr Whittaker. "This in my view is a death that could have been avoided."
