An American motorcyclist who was killed while taking part in the British Motorcycle Club of Tasmania’s annual Tassie Tour rally on the East Coast last year was “travelling too fast”, a coroner has found.
70-year-old construction company chairman Steve Dishman was visiting the state from Houston when the incident occurred in late March 2022.
An experienced motorcycle rider, Dishman held both current Texas USA car and motorcycle licences and had been riding in the rally for several days prior to his death.
Coroner Olivia McTaggart said after leaving Hobart for Launceston via St Helens, Dishman failed to successfully navigate a tight left-hand bend on the Tasman Highway at Goshen – despite the presence of a ‘clearly marked’ 45km/h sign.
As he approached the bend, his motorcycle veered straight across the road into the path of an oncoming camper van.
The bike then careened into a ditch and subsequently collided with a bank.
He died at the scene as the result of a broken neck.
While he was not “travelling recklessly or inattentively” at the time of the crash, McTaggart said she was satisfied he was going under 60km/h – which was still “too fast to safely negotiate” the bend.
“Prior to his crash, his motorcycle leaned excessively to the left through the bend causing the left foot peg to scrape on the ground for some distance.”
“This, in turn, caused the motorcycle to become upright, cross the centre line and continue traveling onto the gravel verge of the opposite lane.”
“It then travelled a further distance into a drain and impacted with the bank before coming to rest.”
McTaggart said Dishman had not consumed alcohol or drugs prior to the crash, was wearing an approved helmet and correct attire and the motorcycle was mechanically sound.
“I convey my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr Dishman.”
