Calls for tougher action on illegal trail bikes are growing across the Hunter, despite plans for more police operations to tackle dangerous riding.
Following recent incidents in Mayfield, Aberglasslyn, Woodberry, Telarah, Metford and Cessnock, to name a handful, the issue gained further renewed attention when a Port Stephens councillor also backed stronger powers for authorities.
His proposal would allow police to seize and destroy unregistered trail bikes being ridden illegally on public land.
But, NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the actions were not being tolerated.
“NSW Police are doing everything they can,” she stated.
“They had an operation in Port Stephens at the weekend with some great results.
“We also had one on the Central Coast where four bikes were confiscated.”
Ms Catley said new legislation would allow officers to seize and destroy illegal bikes.
“If your bike is illegal, you can expect police to confiscate it and crush it,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
She said police regularly carried out targeted operations, but public safety always came first.
Ms Catley also urged parents to take some accountability.
“They have a responsibility to make sure their kids are riding where they should be riding, not on urban roads,” she said.
“They also have a duty of care to make sure their children are doing the right thing.
“We can’t put all of this on police.”
The issue has also sparked community campaigns.
Newcastle resident Tanya Marie started the Back the Blue – Not the Bike petition, which had attracted more than 5,360 signatures at the time of writing.
“Every signature represents someone who refuses to accept that illegal dirt bikes and e-scooters should continue to terrorise our communities,” she wrote.
Ms Marie is calling on the NSW Government to strengthen laws, give police greater powers and introduce tougher penalties for people using illegal or stolen trail bikes and e-scooters.
Cessnock MP Clayton Barr threw his support behind the government’s e-bike safety reforms, too.
The package includes stronger police powers to permanently seize illegal and dangerous vehicles, new rules defining compliant on-road e-bikes, mandatory safety information for buyers and a review into the appropriate ages for young riders.
For more news stories:
- ‘Steel City’ returns to Hunter following $500m investment
- Three charged over bottle shop robberies in Upper Hunter
- $12b train-building pledge ‘warmly welcomed’ in Hunter
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