‘Taylor had his whole life ahead of him’: Family supports road safety scheme after young rider’s death
Mother of 19-year-old motorcyclist who died in a collision urges young riders to take part in SmartRide initiative aimed at preventing further tragedies
The family of a teenager from Andover, who lost his life in a road traffic collision, is supporting a new initiative designed to help save lives on our roads.
Emma Wilding, whose 19-year-old son Taylor died following a collision while riding his motorcycle to Winchester, is encouraging young and inexperienced riders to take part in SmartRide – a new free course designed to improve motorcycle safety and help riders develop the skills needed to stay safe on the road.
Taylor Connors, who has been described as a "beloved son" died after the motorcycle he was riding collided with a van on 9 June 2025.
Police were called to the report of a collision on the junction of Windmill Hill Lane and the A30 near Leckford. Sadly, Taylor died at the scene.
Following the tragedy, Taylor's family are backing calls for young motorcyclists to be educated further so that they can stay safe on the roads.
SmartRide:
Funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, SmartRide combines classroom learning with observed rides alongside Roads Policing motorcyclists. The course is specifically aimed at young riders who may not yet have gained the experience and awareness of older, more experienced road users.
Emma is sharing Taylor’s story in the hope that other families will be spared the pain of losing a loved one.
She said: “Every child losing their life is one too many. Motorcycle accidents, in part, can be prevented. Our hope is that SmartRide helps to ensure young or inexperienced riders are better equipped to take to the road whilst doing something they love.
“Taylor had his whole life ahead of him, he had a big group of friends, he was days away from starting his dream job, he was a bright light in the lives of us all, he was a gentleman, he was caring, compassionate and endlessly kind. He loved with his whole heart and saw the best in people. His laughter filled any room he was in. He was an incredible friend and an even better son.
“He didn’t need to die, he wasn’t riding erratically, he wasn’t speeding, indeed the last person to see him alive on 9th June 2025 noted how considerately he was riding as he overtook them on their bicycle. This road traffic collision robbed him of his future and robbed me of my son.
“He may have only been here for 7073 short days, but we will carry the excruciating pain of his death for the rest of our days. His legacy of effortless kindness will live on forever through me, his dad Marc, his big sister Brooke, his brother Ethan and our extended family. We will make sure of this until our last breaths, in Taylor’s name.”
Acting Inspector Tom Waller, from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit, thanked Emma and Taylor’s family for sharing their experience and helping to educate young riders.
He said: “The pain of losing a loved one so young is an awful and tragic thing to experience. I want to thank Emma and all of Taylor’s family for sharing their story with us.
“Emma has had a huge impact on the young riders we have taught on this new course so far and I am positive that her powerful words will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
“As Roads Policing officers, we have seen far too many families like Taylor’s that have been shattered by the devastating news that their loved one has died on the road. We are committed to helping avoid other tragedies like this from happening and we know education is a huge part of that.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones added: “Taylor’s death is a devastating reminder of how quickly lives can change.
“I would urge any young rider, or any parent whose son or daughter rides a scooter or motorcycle, to sign up for SmartRide.
“If it spares one family the pain Emma has gone through, it’s worth it.
“I would like to thank Emma for her incredible courage in sharing Taylor’s story.
“At the most difficult time in her life, she has chosen to help protect others, and I know her words will stay with the young people who take part in this course.”