People riding petrol-powered bicycles could be fined for riding an unlicensed motorbike and a raft of related offences say Hobsons Bay police, amid mounting complaints from residents.
An Altona Meadows resident, who asked not to be named, said she had been run off a path by noisy bikes travelling about 70km/h.
“They’re up and down all weekend and it’s just ridiculous,” she said.
“They come straight at you on the footpaths … they don’t slow down or try and move out of your way. Then there’s the noise disturbance as well. We’re not talking about kids playing – these are really, really noisy.
“One lady … she’s in Altona North and they gather across from her house – there’s about five of them. She’s too scared to say anything, but they’re constantly waking up her children.
“Just have a little bit of respect for other people. Have your enjoyment but respect other people’s enjoyment.
“One woman said she was driving down Queen Street doing 70km/h, and [a man on a motorised bicycle] overtook her and then was trying to play dodgems with her on Maidstone Street.
“They’re dangerous, they’re illegal and they shouldn’t be on the footpath. But it won’t stop.”
Inspector Richard Paterson said almost all motorised bikes on roads would be legally defined as motorbikes.
“With the warmer weather upon us, Hobsons Bay police have become concerned with the number of bicycles getting around our suburban streets with petrol motors fitted to them,” he said.
“If those motors have a power output larger than 200 watts, which is only .2 of a kilowatt, then the bike becomes, by legislative definition, a motorcycle.
“The smallest of engines from whipper snippers and other petrol-powered garden tools exceed this 200-watt limit.
“Motorcycles are required to comply with the registration requirements and also the safety standards.
“Riders need a motorcycle licence and an approved motorcycle helmet.”
He said a range of offences and fines applied, from $148 for riding on a path to $738 for unlicensed riding.
Riders with prior offences for unlicensed riding or driving could have their motorcycle impounded, while drink-driving on a motorised bicycle could result in loss of licence.
For more information, visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/cyclist-safety/power-assisted-bicycles
