By Pamela McGowan

Last updated 11:19, Thursday, 27 March 2008

ON APRIL 13 last year Noel Daley became the fifth of 11 bikers to be killed on Cumbria’s roads in 2007.

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Tragedy: Tractor at the scene of fatal crash

As the anniversary of his death approaches fellow bikers are preparing to hold a memorial ride-out in honour of their much-loved friend.

His partner, Katie Smith, is also using the opportunity to promote Cumbria police’s Think Bike campaign.

She wants to remind motorists to take extra care looking out for bikes and other vulnerable road users to help prevent similar accidents.

Noel, 37, an electrician from Carlisle, was killed when his bike collided with a tractor on a country road at Tirrel Moor, near Penrith.

Exactly what happened will be determined when an inquest is held tomorrow.

Whatever the circumstances, Katie said too many bikers are being killed or injured – and all road users can help to prevent it.

She said: “The message from the Think Bike campaign is exactly that. Please remember that you are not the only road user and look out for other people, whether it’s motorcyclists, pedestrians, horse riders or whoever.”

Although not a member of any club, Noel was well-known across the local biking scene.

At his funeral around 200 bikers escorted his coffin through Carlisle to the crematorium, which was packed to capacity.

It was actually his passion for biking that brought him and fellow enthusiast Katie, a former assistant producer at Border TV, together.

During their three-year relationship, the pair spent a year working in Japan and regularly went out biking in the Lake District together.

A few months prior to his death Katie was offered a new job in London and Noel was planning to move with her.

She is now trying to build a new life down south, as she said staying in Cumbria without him would have been too difficult. However she is still in close contact with his family – parents Derek and Betty, sisters Hazel Graham and Helen Hughes and brother Paul – and their friends.

Katie is coming back to Cumbria for the memorial ride-out and charity night on Saturday April 12.

The event, organised by local bikers and supported by Cumbria police, will see motorcyclists gathering at the Golden Lion in Botchergate at lunchtime. They will them ride to Tirrel Head to lay flowers at the scene of the accident. They will then travel back to the Carlisle pub for a fundraising night, with all proceeds going to a charity of his parents’ choice.

Katie said: “It’s a fantastic way to remember him. Noel lost a lot of friends through bike accidents but it never stopped him riding. It was in his blood.

“I haven’t got a bike anymore but I’d still get on one. I still love them.”

It is also hoped that the sight of so many bikers riding together will raise awareness of the Think Bike campaign.

Katie said being noticed is a major concern.

“I think it’s something you are always aware of.

“You are a lot more vulnerable and do worry that something might not get across in time or someone will pull out in front of you.

“A lot of our friends have suffered broken bones as a result.

“Now is the time of year when the bike season is really starting so it’s really important.

“There is more traffic on the roads and people are not used to having bikes around after the winter. The message is enjoy the countryside but be aware of other people who are also out enjoying it.”

n Admission to the charity event, which will include music from Red Spider, is free but donations will be welcome on the night. For further details contact Steve (Straw Dog) on 07841 129194.

PMcGowan@cngroup.co.uk