The video showed he was riding very quickly and dangerously. Two weeks later he paid for it with his life

Sergeant Alan Mobbs, Devon and Cornwall Police

Other motorcyclists told the inquest into Mr Kitt's death how the 28-year old had sped past them on a blind bend into the path on an oncoming car.

One rider said the Mr Kitt's motorcycle was just "a blur".

Coroner Dr Emma Carlyon recorded a verdict of accidental death on the 28-year-old at an inquest in Bodmin.

The video was recorded by a camera that Mr Kitt, from Par, near St Austell, mounted on his bike.

His girlfriend later gave the video to police, who used it as part of Bikesafe 2001.

The campaign came after figures showed an increase in the number of biker deaths in the south west.

Powerful machines

Some 20 people died in motorcycle accidents on the region's roads in the year 2000, up more than 25% on the previous year.

Of the 20, 18 were due to rider error. Many were also because riders were travelling too fast.

The figures also showed that the majority were not necessarily young inexperienced riders, but men over 25 on more powerful machines.

Sergeant Alan Mobbs of Devon and Cornwall Police said they may never know why Mr Kitt decided to make the video.

"But it showed he was riding very quickly and dangerously," said Mr Mobbs.

"Two weeks later he paid for it with his life."