An experienced motorcyclist was killed after he lost control of his bike while pulling a wheelie and fell into the path of an oncoming van.
The 50-year-old rider was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near Goodwood in Chichester, West Sussex.
He was out riding his Suzuki motorbike with friends when he pulled a wheelie, only to swerve on to the other side of the road, where he fell from his bike in front of a van.
Police have released footage of the moment a motorcyclist fell into the path of an oncoming van after he lost control of a wheelie
The tragic accident was filmed on a camera attached to the rider’s helmet.
Now Sussex Police have released the footage with the support of the victim’s heartbroken family in order to highlight the dangers of irresponsible motorbike riding.
Sergeant Phil Badman, of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit (RPU), said the footage was ‘distressing’.
He added: ‘This video is intended to show what can happen when you are not fully in control of your bike.
‘Motorbikes are powerful machines and they should be treated as such, as failing to do so can lead to devastating consequences.
‘The victim was an experienced rider who had enjoyed numerous outings with fellow bikers prior to this incident.
‘He and his friends were all wearing the appropriate clothing and safety equipment, and no one anticipated that this ride would be his last.
‘It was undoubtedly a hugely traumatic experience for all parties involved, and our thoughts remain with them.’
Police have released the video to highlight the dangers of irresponsible riding
The 50-year-old rider was pronounced dead at the scene after the tragic crash
Motorcyclists account for 20 per cent of all road deaths in the UK despite making up just one per cent of total road traffic.
In Sussex alone, eight motorcyclists were killed on the roads between January and June this year and 102 have been seriously injured.
The footage has been released in advance of the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s ‘National Motorcycle Week of Action’ from August 28 until September 3.
Sergeant Badman said: ‘There are a number of ways motorcyclists can be safer on our roads – ride with your lights on, wear the appropriate clothing for increased visibility and protection, consider your position in the road, and most importantly, ride safely and sensibly.
‘We want motorcyclists to enjoy their ride, but also to make sure their next journey is not their last.’