A MOTORCYCLIST told an inquest that he feared for his friend's safety because he took risks on corners.

Stephen Bailey, a 42-year-old window cleaner, from Benningborough Gardens, Ingleby Barwick, died instantly when he crashed into a car on a bend on the A170 road between Thornton-le-Dale and Pickering, North Yorkshire.

Coroner Michael Oakley, who recorded a verdict of accidental death at the hearing at Pickering, read a statement from Stuart Frankish, of Mayfield Crescent, Eaglescliffe, who had been with Mr Bailey at the time of the accident.

He said Mr Bailey was a "brilliant" rider, but he had seen him overtake on blind corners in the past.

"I did feel his luck had to run out sometime because he was not always as careful as the rest of us," he said.

Traffic Constable David Taylor said there were adequate signs warning of the junction where the accident happened.

He said the accident was caused by Mr Bailey overtaking at speed and failing to realise the car was turning right. "He pushed the car 13 metres. You don't do that at 60mph," said the officer.