Hunter authorities are determined to slam the brakes on high-powered e-bikes following a spate of anti-social behaviour.
Over the past year, police have conducted campaigns in Lake Macquarie with a focus on the Fernleigh Track and Warners Bay foreshore after receiving increased community reports of incidents.
They’ve also spoken to numerous riders and provided education on current e-bike laws.
But, NSW Police District Inspector Anita Kruse admitted the Fernleigh Track had been a hot spot for unsafe occurrences.
“Officers have had hundreds of interactions with users of the path,” she explained.
“Unfortunately, a high percentage of issues involve young people.”
An operation at the weekend resulted in 12 warnings being handed out to juvenile riders.
Coinciding with the NSW Government’s continued crackdown on illegal e-bikes, one non-complaint vehicle was seized as well.
Additionally, in the last 12 months, police issued 24 offences, which are being pursued under the Young Offenders Act.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley stated parents needed to play a bigger role in educating their children.
“We are seeing so much road trauma in relation to young people,” she said.
“We can’t expect police to be out on every corner patrolling for anti-social behaviour.
“Parents and carers need to be really clear with their kids that they have to be safe and respectful.”
Her timely plea followed an accident in Belmont on Sunday night, which left two 14-year-olds hospitalised.
The pair collided with the side of a station wagon at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Evans Street, causing the rider and passenger to be thrown off the vehicle.
“It’s an awful set of circumstances highlighting the essential nature of e-bike safety,” Ms Catley told the Newcastle Weekly.
“However, we must go back to the basics.
“We want to make sure everyone understands their responsibility as a user.
“I love seeing people out and about on e-bikes.
“They just need to use them legally and safely.”
Meanwhile, signage was erected at entrances to the Fernleigh Track this week, encouraging members of the community to report incidents to police.
The signs are the first step in Lake Macquarie City Council’s initiative to improve safety along the path.
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