Tributes paid to biker killed near Hawes (From Darlington and Stockton Times)
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Tributes paid to biker killed near Hawes
8:00am Saturday 19th May 2012 in News
By Joe Willis, Regional Chief Reporter
TRIBUTES have been paid to a motorcyclist who died after his bike collided with a tractor in the Yorkshire Dales.
Richard Turner, who was known as Dickie, died at the scene of the accident on the A684 at the Mire Bank Lane junction near Burtersett, Hawes.
The collision happened at about 5.30pm on Thursday.
The 35-year-old was riding a blue and white Suzuki GSXR 750 motorcycle from Leyburn towards Hawes when it collided with a red Case tractor.
The 48-year-old local man driving the tractor was not injured.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen Mr Turner’s motorcycle before the accident.
It is believed he left Northallerton between 3pm and 4pm, calling at the Manor Bikers Cafe, in Bellerby, near Leyburn, before riding towards Hawes.
Cafe manager Kathryn Avison said Mr Turner was well-known and well-liked in the local motorcycling community.
She said: “He was a good guy and was loved by many people.”
Numerous tributes were left on Mr Turner’s online Facebook profile yesterday. One wellwisher said: “The A684 has taken another top guy – RIP Richard Turner.”
Another said: “RIP Big Guy.
Sad to hear you’ve gone.”
Several bouquets of flowers were left on the roadside where the accident happened.
A message attached to one bunch said: “You have gone too soon but you will never be forgotten.”
Traffic Sergeant Paul Cording, from North Yorkshire Police road policing group, said: “This is a tragic incident which has resulted in the death of a young man.
“I urge anyone who witnessed the collision, or saw either vehicle prior to it, to contact the police straight away.”
Yorkshire Ambulance Service received the 999 call at 5.33pm.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance also responded, but the paramedics were stood down before they arrived.
Anyone with information is asked to call Traffic Constable Tony Leonard, of Richmond police, on 101, selecting option two.
