Daily London
Police received multiple calls after dozens of young e-bike riders were filmed riding over the Sydney Harbour Bridge yesterday.
About 40 people, including at least one without a helmet, rode across the NSW landmark during peak hour traffic on Tuesday.
Under current laws, it’s illegal to ride any bike, including e-bikes, on the main deck of the bridge and a cycleway is provided separate to the roadway.
NSW Police confirmed officers were called to Hickson Road, Sydney, around 4.30pm yesterday following multiple reports of a large group riding in a dangerous manner.
About 40 riders were located riding on the Harbour Bridge dangerously but dispersed when police arrived.
“Police could not initiate a pursuit due to safety concerns,” a spokesperson told 9news.com.au.
“About 5.30pm on the same day, police located the group at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair where they were spoken to and dispersed.”
There were no reported injuries or property damage, and inquiries are ongoing.
Footage of the Harbour Bridge stunt has prompted renewed calls for stronger rules governing e-bike use on Australian roads and footpaths.
Premier Chris Minns called the actions of e-bike hoons “intolerable” and the government is working on a solution.
“It’s regrettable that the original decision was made to have a 500 watt output rather than a 250 watt output because we’re now in a situation where we’re trying to close the barn door after close to a million of these machines are on Sydney streets,” he said.
“We’re working on a program and we’ll have more to say soon.”
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said wattage limits aren’t enough.
“Joy rides on the Sydney Harbour Bridge are stupid, unsafe and a middle finger to the police and the community,” she said in Parliament yesterday.
“These kids know they are unaccountable and untouchable until there is compulsory licence plates, enforcement and accountability.”
She said e-bike riders doing the wrong thing know there are no consequences and called on Transport Minister John Graham to introduce e-bike license plates to restore accountability.
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