Operation Shore Safe was launched last month to supplement local resources in response to increased motor vehicle, e-micromobility and pedestrian activity across coastal communities from the Central Coast to Port Stephens during the busy spring and summer period.
Running through to February 2026, Operation Shore Safe has seen high-visibility deployments of up to eight solo motorcycle officers supported by unmarked highway patrol vehicles, trail bikes, e-bikes and bicycle patrols strategically positioned across key coastal areas.
The operation is designed to promote safer behaviour on roads and footpaths, as well as in and around other high volume pedestrian areas, particularly in relation to the growing use of e-micromobility devices.
A key focus of the operation is educating the users of e-micromobility devices in an effort to reduce road trauma, including fatal and serious injury collisions, which have disproportionately affected communities in the Northern Region this year.
Since the launch of the operation in October 2025, Operation Shore Safe officers have initiated 386 legal processes and laid 16 charges.
During a deployment yesterday (Sunday 9 November 2025), Operation Shore Safe police conducted approximately 50 engagements with e-bike riders predominantly in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie area. During many of the interactions, police contacted the parents and carers of young people to provide relevant education and advice, with infringement notices issued where appropriate.
Newcastle-Hunter Sector Highway Patrol Chief Inspector Thomas Barnes said parents and carers had a role to play.
"During yesterday's deployment, a number of parents and carers told us they were unaware their children had modified their e-bikes or realised how fast those bikes could travel. It's important that parents and carers understand what their kids are riding and take the time to check whether those bikes have been altered, because even small modifications can make them unsafe and illegal," Ch/Insp Barnes said.
"We are pleased with the progress of Operation Shore Safe so far, and we appreciate the strong support from the community and positive response from young riders and their parents and carers. Police will continue engaging with e-bike riders, young people, parents, and carers across the region to make sure everyone is doing the right thing and keeping our roads and shared spaces safe.
"At the end of the day, our priority is making sure these kids get home safely and don't become another road tragedy, something we've sadly seen far too often."
