NRMA calls for urgent action to protect road safety as police investigate a daring ebike swarm on Sydney Harbour Bridge.
A group of approximately 40 ebike and motorcycle riders caused a stir by riding across the Sydney Harbour Bridge during peak hour, prompting a police investigation and a strong reaction from the insurance company NRMA. The incident occurred on a Tuesday afternoon, with riders defying the prohibition of cycling on the bridge's main deck.
Footage reveals riders, including those on 'fat bikes', traveling on the Western Distributor and performing stunts. Assistant Commissioner David Driver emphasized the potential for severe injuries and fatalities, indicating ongoing investigations.
The NRMA's spokesperson, Peter Khoury, urged the government to take immediate action, suggesting a formal registration scheme and community-wide effort. He emphasized the need to remove these young riders from the roads, suggesting parents should refrain from purchasing ebikes for their children. Khoury also proposed granting police and council rangers the authority to confiscate illegally used bikes.
Police received reports of the group riding dangerously on Hickson Road at 4:30 pm, leading them to track the riders to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair near the botanic gardens. The NSW government has faced criticism for its response to the growing number of ebikes and motorcycles on the roads, with an estimated 60 young riders causing chaos on a north Sydney golf course last month.
Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the incident, stating that changes are underway, but the opposition's shadow transport minister, Natalie Ward, criticized the government's inaction. Ward proposed a practical policy to introduce identification plates for young riders and commercial e-bike operators, aiming to enforce rules and prevent crashes.
