Police have warned about the dangers of motorised bicycles, as riders continue to risk their own safety and endanger other road users and pedestrians across Wyndham.
With many petrol-powered bicycles classed as motorcycles, riders may also be breaking the law.
The police warnings came as a Star Weekly reader raised her concerns after seeing children on motorised bicycles weaving in and out of busy traffic in Point Cook last week.
The Sanctuary Lakes resident, who did not want to be named, said she watched in horror as two boys weaved between vehicles in peak-hour traffic on Point Cook and Dunnings roads on January 14.
“They were switching lanes and travelling faster than the other traffic,” she said.
“These boys were wearing helmets, but I’ve also seen riders who haven’t been wearing helmets.”
According to VicRoads, a motorised bicycle is no longer classed as a bicycle if the motor is the primary source of power and the motor’s power output exceeds 200 watts.
Motorised bicycle riders are required to hold a motorcycle licence, register the vehicle, wear an approved motorcycle helmet, and not ride on footpaths or bicycle paths.
A 14-year-old boy was killed when he was hit by two cars while riding his motorised bicycle near Liverpool, New South Wales, in October 2013.
Wyndham road policing adviser Senior Sergeant Damien Madden said motorised bicycles were “potentially very dangerous” and many would fail Australian safety standards.
“There’s a significant risk of serious trauma, especially for children if they’re riding them on the roads.
“Children may not realise the significance of what they’re doing so it’s up to their parents, who are the ones who buy these things, to educate them.
“They probably think they’re just going out for a ride, but they don’t realise that by riding some of these motorised bicycles they could potentially be charged with a number of offences and face fines of up to $1500.”
Senior Sergeant Madden said Wyndham highway patrol regularly conducted off-road patrols on the lookout for motorised bicycles and trailbikes being ridden illegally through parks and reserves across the municipality.
Anybody who witnesses hoon behaviour can phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
