Riding monkey bikes illegally may soon end up with the noisy pint-sized two-strokes being crushed, and their riders slugged with fines of up to $3100, if new laws come into force.
New legislation, announced in State Parliament last week, will give police more power to tackle the small, low-powered bikes being ridden in public parks and bush reserves.
Under current legislation, those caught riding in public can only be fined for operating an unregistered vehicle.
Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer said police have had reports of monkey bike riders “harassing people” on roads and footpaths for years.
“They can cause serious injury or death, and we just don’t want that anymore,” he said.
“Let this be a message that our streets aren’t for monkey bikes … they’re dangerous little motorised vehicles.”
Premier Daniel Andrews said the new legislation came about after two deaths were caused by the bikes during the past 18 months. “Two families are grieving loved ones because of these wretched things,” he said. “If your own safety isn’t important to you, that’s a choice you make … but the safety of the broader community is important to us.”
Victoria police received more than 6000 phone calls about monkey bikes last year. Riding monkey bikes off-road on private property will still be legal.
