Dad died after electric bike he was 'testing out' hit metal barrier at park in darkness

A father-of-four died after a modified electric motorcycle he was 'testing out' in a park on the day he bought it hit a steel barrier in darkness. A coroner has now written to a council expressing concerns after evidence heard at an inquest into the death of Scott Davies, who was 32.

The section of road involved is 'a legitimate right of way for bicycles and emergency services vehicles', but there is a black locked steel barrier there 'that is hard to see at dusk and in the dark', says a report.

The barrier, said assistant coroner for Manchester South Christopher Murray, 'could result in serious injury or death if struck by an oncoming legitimate user of that thoroughfare'. There is a risk of future deaths, he added, unless action is taken over it.

READ MORE: Behind a row of terraced houses, our future will be shaped

Mr Davies - who had only collected the modified Surron Light Bee motorcycle hours earlier - wasn't wearing a helmet. The off-road bike hadn't been registered. He sadly died more than a month later in hospital.

The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 gives coroners the opportunity to make reports to a person, organisation, local authority or Government department or agency where they believe action should be taken to prevent future deaths. Mr Murray's 'prevention of future deaths' report has now been published and sent to Stockport Council and the Secretary of State for Transport.

The incident, on the evening of February 2 this year, involved a metal access barrier at Alexandra Park, near to the main car park off Cheadle Old Road in Edgeley, Stockport. The inquest concluded on September 19, with Mr Murray recording a verdict of accidental death.

Mr Davies collected the bike on the evening of February 2 and returned home with it in a van. The report says: "He proceeded to attend upon Alexandra Park in Stockport to test out the vehicle. He collided with a steel barrier which was in a closed position.

"He was dismounted from the vehicle and sustained serious head injuries. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of his collision. He was given first aid at the scene and taken to Salford Royal Hospital by ambulance.

"He was treated by way of sedation and ventilation but never regained consciousness and died as a result of a traumatic brain injury on March 8 at Salford Royal Hospital."

Mr Murray said evidence revealed 'matters giving rise to concern' at the inquest held at Stockport Coroner's Court and added in the report: "In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken.

"The section of road bisecting Alexandra Park, known as Cheadle Old Road, Edgeley, is a legitimate right of way for bicycles and emergency services vehicles, yet there is a matt black locked steel barrier that is hard to see at dusk and in the dark which could result in serious injury or death if struck by an oncoming legitimate user of that thoroughfare.

"In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths."

The Manchester Evening News contacted Stockport Council for comment.

Councillor Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, said: "Our thoughts remain with Mr Davies' family and friends at this difficult time. We note the report from HM Courts and Tribunals and Judiciary and the Council will do what it can to prevent accidents like this happening in the future."