Riders on e-bikes, scooters and bikes working for food delivery services have been put on notice, with nearly 300 fines issued as part of an operation cracking down on dangerous rider behaviour in Melbourne.
Operation Pathfinder has been running since the start of June, with 289 fines issued for a range of e-bike, e-scooter, motor scooter, bicycle and motorcycle riding offences.
On Tuesday night this week, police issued 37 fines in just a few hours after detecting multiple riders travelling on the footpath, riding through red lights and using mobile phones while riding.
Police also arrested a man after a short foot chase on Swanston Street just after 5pm.
Officers working Operation Pathfinder attempted to speak with the man as he was observed allegedly riding a bike without wearing a helmet.
Generally the first engagement of this kind would be a warning and an opportunity to educate the rider.
However when attempting to speak with the cyclist, the man allegedly refused to provide his name and address to police, abandoned his bike and ran down the street.
After a short foot chase, officers arrested the 28-year-old man from Carlton. He is expected to be charged on summons with traffic offences and resisting police.
The operation commenced following reports of dangerous riding behaviour involving bikes and e-bikes at peak times for food delivery.
As part of the operation, officers from Melbourne East Police Station patrol key hot spots in the city, including Little Bourke Street, Bourke Street and Flinders Street and at peak pick up times.
The most common offences detected throughout the operation for those using e-bikes, e-scooters or motor scooters include:
- A person over 12-years-old riding on a footpath which incurs a fine of $198
- Drive on wrong side of divided road which incurs a fine of $395
- Using a mobile phone while riding which incurs a fine of $593
- Failing to obey traffic lights which incurs a fine of $494
Uniform police are supported by the Melbourne Highway Patrol as part of the operation.
Officers engage with riders and other road users during the operation and educate them about relevant road rules to ensure they are equipped with the right information to conduct themselves safely on the road.
The warning also comes as police intelligence shows collisions involving bikes, e-bikes and motor scooters are increasing.
In the first six months of this year there has been 29 collisions involving e-bikes in the city, and 18 involving motor scooters.
When compared to the last six months of last year, both e-bike and motor scooter collisions in the city have doubled.
In total, there have been 284 collisions in Melbourne this year involving bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters and motor scooters.
Anyone who has information about dangerous driving or riding is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Melbourne East Senior Sergeant, Tania Connolly:
"Peak hour is often a busy time in the city, with lots of pedestrians and other road users around which presents a real risk to safety.
"It's not only frustrating, but also incredibly dangerous to have e-bike riders zooming past pedestrians on the footpath, weaving in and out of traffic or disobeying traffic lights.
"We know more people are choosing options such as electric bikes and scooters to get around the city, and we want to make sure not only their devices are up to standard, but they are fully aware of the rules.
"We encourage everyone accessing roads and footpaths to have patience and make sure you are looking out for others."
