“If a fatality occurs, and particularly that of an innocent party, then NSW Police will have blood on their hands.”
That’s the ominous warning from an Aberglasslyn resident following the alarming rise of motorcycle hoons terrorising neighbourhoods throughout the Lower Hunter in the past few months.
And, it’s not just one isolated area either.
There’s been numerous reports of youngsters riding dirt bikes illegally in Rutherford, Woodberry, Metford, Beresfield, Chisholm and Telarah.
Some are riding unregistered and uninsured two-wheeled machines, often without helmets, while several of them have been sighted hitting speeds more than 60kmh or 70kmh over the limit.
In quite a few cases, the riders refuse to turn on their lights, instead playing “chicken” with other vehicles on dark suburban streets.
Now, locals are fed up… and want action taken, by either the authorities or politicians themselves.
“It’s getting beyond a joke,” Denton Park Drive’s Lorraine Evans told the Newcastle Weekly.
“People will say it’s kids being kids.
“But, that’s the point… it isn’t children.
“They’re older teenagers and young men we’re talking about; they should know better.
“Sadly, they have no respect for the law, themselves or others on the road.
“I’d hate to see a child seriously-injured – or even killed – because of these senseless idiots.
“I contacted Maitland Police Station the other week, only to be told they were aware of the situation because they’d already received 50-plus complaints.
“Yet, nothing is done.
“The officers could set up unmarked police cars in various locations and catch them in the act.
“Even better, how about we confiscate the bikes and crush them?
“If they [police] don’t act now, I fear something bad will happen or people will take matters into their own hands.”
Meanwhile, Woodberry’s Jennifer O’Dowd has started a petition following countless incidents on Lawson Avenue and surrounding locales.
She’s also calling on Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley, Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison and NSW Police to address the “ongoing crisis”.
“It’s nearly impossible to find peace when the revving of bikes echoes late into the evening and throughout the day,” she said.
“We’re continually startled awake by the roar of these motorbikes.
“They’re easily exceeding the speed limit by up to 90kph, using Lawson Avenue as a dragstrip.
“We even have video footage… this information has been given to police on several occasions and Crime Stoppers.
“However, the officers tell us nothing can be done because they’re not permitted to pursue the bikes in the suburban areas.
“They say they don’t have sufficient resources, too.”
Like Ms Evans, Ms O’Dowd believes the current actions pose a substantial risk to the community’s safety.
“These young riders speed through residential streets, sometimes at over 150kmh or on one wheel, weaving in and out of traffic and mounting footpaths on unregistered motorbikes, without a licence, flouting traffic laws, and endangering themselves and others,” she said.
“Regrettably, the absence of regulation and oversight has encouraged reckless behaviour.
“It’s transformed our streets into perilous pathways.
“According to Transport for NSW road safety statistics, motorbike-related accidents have seen an uptick in areas with similar illegal activities.
“The lack of formal action on this issue only exacerbates the potential for mishaps, possibly severe ones that could alter lives forever.
“This is not merely speculative fear – it’s a genuine concern backed by patterns observed in regions where illegal racing and joyriding occur unchecked.
“Increased patrols during night-time hours and strict enforcement of traffic regulations are just some of the actionable steps needed.
“Also, take away the bikes under NSW hooning laws.
“By coming together and signing the petition, we can advocate for a safer, quieter and more harmonious neighbourhood, where residents no longer fear for their peace or their safety.
“Let’s urge our authorities to act now before tragedy strikes.
“I’m sure there’s a world where both riders and residents can coexist safely.”
To sign the petition, go to https://www.change.org/p/address-illegal-dirt-bike-riding-woodberry-metford-beresfield-chisholm-lower-hunter
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