A MOTORCYCLIST died after he failed to negotiate a bend in the road and smashed into a classic red Triumph Stag car driven by an Ingleton man, an inquest heard.

Steven Browne, 46, from Nelson, died on June 5 on the B6380 near Anley Hall care home, in Settle, while riding his Triumph Tiger Explorer motorbike.

He was riding out with fellow biker George Credland and was in front heading in the direction of Skipton when he approached a left hand bend and hit the classic car, head-on, driven by David Kendal.

The incident occurred shortly after 8pm and Mr Browne was declared dead at the scene at 8.24pm.

Mr Kendal told the inquest at Skipton Magistrates’ Court he was taking the car to Settle to refuel while accompanied by his daughter, Libby.

Mr Kendal said he had travelled down the A65 from Ingleton and turned off towards Settle from the roundabout at Cleatop.

“I was travelling at between 40 and 50mph and noticed a motorcyclist heading for the corner. I noticed he was going at a speed faster than I was comfortable with,” he said, adding he tried to take evasive action by manoeuvring to the left but there was “nowhere to go”.

He was injured himself in the collision, breaking his collarbone and sustaining cuts and bruises. His daughter also received cuts and bruises.

Both were taken to Airedale General Hospital for treatment.

Mr Credland said he was following Mr Browne who leaned to go into the corner before righting his machine and carrying straight on, hitting the front of Mr Kendal’s car.

He said his friend was an “experienced and exceptional rider”.

A post-mortem examination showed there was no alcohol or drugs in Mr Browne’s system and it was determined he died from multiple injuries.

Police reports discovered the speed of the motorbike, on impact, was 32 mph and occurred in Mr Kendal’s side of the carriageway.

Coroner Rob Turnbull recorded a verdict that Mr Browne “died as a result of a road traffic collision”.