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From this weekend, ACT Policing will commence a targeted operation to address those in the community that are participating in anti-social behaviour using electric ‘e-bikes’ and ‘e-scooters’ as well as those using illegal e-motorcycles and off-road motorcycles in the ACT.
This operation is in response to an increase in anti-social behaviour involving a range of two and four wheeled vehicles, including their use to damage sportsgrounds across the ACT.
The ACT community is reminded that riding motorcycles (electric or petrol) in suburban off-road areas such as parks, reserves and ovals is not permitted anywhere in the ACT.
Similarly, riding ‘e-bikes’ and ‘e-scooters’ while impaired, distracted or speeding is not only dangerous to the riders themselves, but also to other vulnerable road users and pedestrians.
We know that many residents will be aware of people in their streets or in their community who are riding electric and off-road motorcycles illegally. ACT Policing is urging Canberrans to report these bikes’ locations to Crime Stoppers. Reports can be made anonymously.
This information will be collated and will assist police to target specific areas and to also directly engage with riders about their behaviour.
During the operation, where appropriate, motorcycles will be seized and charges will be laid. In other situations, officers will look to educate young people and their families on what e-rideables are not permitted.
If you ride legal ‘e-bikes’ and ‘e-scooters’ please do the right thing and ride responsibly and within the laws that apply in the ACT. Should police see anti-social and dangerous behaviours on e-bikes, e-scooters and (electric / petrol) motorcycles, they will engage with those riders and take action accordingly.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson
“E-bikes, e-scooters and motorbikes are intended for transport and recreation—not for causing damage across our ACT ovals and greenspaces.
“I support ACT Policing in this operation. Where appropriate, trailbikes or modified e-bikes will be seized and charges laid if inappropriate or illegal use is determined. Officers will also focus on educating and working with young people and families about the safe and lawful use of e-rideables.
“I encourage our community to take this as an opportunity to do the right thing, report as they see appropriate and help protect our shared spaces.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport Recreation, Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry
“The ACT Government maintains 129 sportsgrounds to support year-round community use.
“Our sports grounds are already under pressure and unplanned damage from e-bikes or vandalism requires immediate repair, which takes fields away from community sports.
“I am committed to protecting community sports grounds and maintaining quality facilities while working constructively with all users of our sportsgrounds and I want to thank the community for their patience while we work through these recent challenges.”
Police are urging anyone who has witnessed or has dashcam footage of illegal behaviour by riders of trailbikes or other e-rideables, to provide their contact details to Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website
ENDS
ACT Policing Media
02 5126 9070
