A 24 year old died in Bolton after a motorcycle accident involving multiple vehicles. The coroner calls it a perfect storm.
Conner was riding a motocross bike, going between lanes of traffic when his handlebar touched a car’s mirror. Then, his bike contacted another car’s wheels, causing him to lose control. The bike wobbled, and he fell off and slid.
He slid under a truck at a junction while the truck was waiting at a traffic light. Two drivers honked to warn the truck driver. However, the truck driver didn’t notice Conner. The truck moved forward when the light changed, driving over Conner.
A nurse and others tried to help Conner. Emergency services arrived around 12:30 pm, but Conner died at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
Conner’s mom, Siobhan Dickinson, showed his pictures and spoke at the inquest. She was heartbroken, and sat by the road for hours after learning of his death. Conner was her best friend, and they spoke daily. He loved his family.
He always made sure she was okay and would send her loving songs. She said her life will never be the same.
The coroner ruled his death a road traffic collision. Conner was filtering legally and was within the speed limit. His driving did not cause the crash. He wore a helmet but lacked other protective gear, though this wouldn’t have changed things.
Cannabis was in his system, but it didn’t impair his driving. He lost control hitting the cars; it was accidental contact. Conner might have oversteered after, which was a mistake, not a bike issue. The coroner said the truck driver must live with this.
The truck driver, Pawel Pieda, spoke through an interpreter. He confirmed his police statement and then declined further questions, fearing self-incrimination.
The coroner understood his silence, but said sympathy rang hollow for Conner’s family. Pieda said he checked his mirrors and saw no cyclists before driving. He only moved a meter before hearing a bang and seeing a motorbike behind him. He knew something bad occurred.
The coroner called this “wishful thinking.” Pieda was locked into thinking the road was clear and missed two chances to see Conner. These moments were brief, and mirrors have blind spots.
Cab footage showed late mirror checks. The first head movement came after moving. The coroner accepted glances were possible, but seeing Conner then required perfect timing.
The horn sounds were too late, and the driver lacked time to react. Police found no reason to prosecute.
The coroner called it a “perfect storm.” Not seeing Conner was unintentional and happened without knowledge or intent.
London trucks need sensors and cameras to help drivers see blind spots. The coroner wondered if they would have helped Conner. He said areas outside London deserve equal safety. He will report his concerns to authorities.