A BIKING enthusiast died after losing control of his new motorcycle while trying to catch up with his friends on a busy dual carriageway. An inquest into the death of Conor Hare at Walthamstow Coroner s Court on Wednesday April 22 heard that the 17-year-

A BIKING enthusiast died after losing control of his new motorcycle while trying to catch up with his friends on a busy dual carriageway.

An inquest into the death of Conor Hare at Walthamstow Coroner's Court on Wednesday April 22 heard that the 17-year-old from Hall Road, Chadwell Heath died when his bike hit the curb on the A12 junction with Pettits Lane, Romford at around 6pm on Thursday August 21 last year.

Coroner Dr Elizabeth Stearns said: "It would seem that he was trying to catch up with his friends who were ahead and he took his eye off the road for a minute.

"He swerved and hit the curb just as the road was turning."

Conor was out riding with his two friends heading towards Gallows Corner, Romford when the accident happened.

Before reaching the junction the three boys had been doing wheelies and Conor almost fell off of his bike.

However, a statement read in court from his friend Ricky Steed, claimed that Conor had earlier hit the kerb and lost his balance but was not doing a wheelie at the time of the accident.

Conor was due to start an apprenticeship as a mechanic in September and had only had the bike for three weeks.

The inquest heard that Conor had a natural talent for riding and had made changes to the bike but had problems with the seat.

PC Judd said: "The difficulties with the bike were unlikely to contribute to the accident but the seat meant that he did not have a chance of staying on the bike."

Conor's father, John Hare told the inquest that he carried out an MOT certificate on the bike two months before and there were no problems with the seat.

He said: "The seat was fine and if there was a problem with it then it would not have passed its MOT test.

"That bike was his pride and joy."

After recording a verdict of accidental death, Coroner Dr Elizabeth Stearns said: "This was a very tragic accident and the only comfort I can say is that he would not have been aware of what was happening.

"He was doing something he loved with his friends at the time of his death.