THE family of a Wiltshire motorcyclist who tragically died following a crash in August have launched a campaign for better road safety measures.
The relatives of Bath Spa Hotel worker Jamie Howarth say they would like to see road safety improvements on the B3099 at Dilton Marsh.
Mr Howarth, 34, died at around 5pm on Tuesday, August 22 on Marsh Road following a crash involving his motorcycle, a BMW car and a combine harvester.
His family in Wiltshire and County Durham paid tribute to him as a "much-loved" son, brother, uncle and friend.
They say Jamie was an experienced biker who enjoyed the freedom his motorcycle gave him.
Mr Howarth was travelling to his home in Westbury after work when he died at the scene of the accident on a blind bend.
He had worked in housekeeping at the Bath Spa Hotel in Bath for nine years.
His older sister Nicola Howarth, 39, who lives in Newton Aycliffe in County Durham, said the family have launched a campaign to improve safety on the road.
“The accident happened right on a blind bend on the border between Wiltshire and Avon & Somerset," she said.
“Jamie knew the road well and was travelling at a low speed, but as he came round the bend there was a combine harvester on the opposite side of the road and a tractor and a BMW ahead of him.
“When he came round the bend, he was not able to see the tractor and the BMW until the last second.
“His bike appears to have clipped the BMW and he came off and went under the combine harvester.
“There was no mirror on the blind bend to enable drivers to see around it and no warning signs.
“The bushes there overhang the road and need to be cut back. If they had been, Jamie would have been able to see the vehicles sooner.
“We are now looking into campaigns to make roads like Dilton Marsh safer for not only motorcyclists but cars and farm machinery.
“This tragic death has not only affected us as a family but all involved, witnesses and many more. This accident could have been avoided.”
Mr Howarth moved to Wiltshire around 15 years ago with his mother from Newton Aycliffe in County Durham, where Nicola still lives.
Mr Howarth's parents, Sharon and Neil Hymas, said: "Jamie loved riding his motorbike and the independence he got from it.
"We are going to miss him more than life itself and our hearts are broken."
Mr Howarth also has an older brother, Robert, 41, a younger sister, Lucy, 29, a step-brother Nathan, and a step-sister Natalie.
Lucy added: "He was a great brother and an amazing uncle to all his 12 nieces and nephews, who he adored and cherished.
"He enjoyed life as a free spirit on his beloved bike, but he was tragically taken from us too soon.
"My heart is broken and no words will even begin to imagine our heartache. He will be greatly missed by us all."
The family has also launched a crowdfunding appeal to help pay for his funeral, after Nicola suffered the loss of her son, Alfie Nichol-Brown, 17, in July 2021.
So far, they have raised £1,210 towards a £2,000 target. Any funds left over will be put towards their road safety campaign.
Avon & Somerset Police are investigating the incident and have appealed for information.
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