By Ewen McRae
Police motorbikes were out in force last week as part of a crackdown on unlicensed riders and unregistered trail bikes across the Bacchus Marsh region.
Responding to increasing public calls about trail bikes and small motorbikes being used on the back roads of the town and nearby walking tracks, local police called in the state’s solo unit (motorbikes) to help patrol the area.
At least one bike was impounded and a number of infringement notices issued as a result of the operation.
Senior Sergeant Richard Quigg said it was a chance to deal with the issue head-on, as well as educate bike users.
“This was all brought about by members of the public and their complaints about the off-road bikes … we’ve tried to put a stop to it and do some community education but it keeps happening,” Senior Sergeant Quigg said.
“We’ve utilised the state resources of the solo unit. We will have them come out a number of times … they’re the experts on bikes.
“It’s about community reassurance, and showing the community that we are working on the issue. Secondly is the enforcement side and reducing road trauma, we don’t want off-road bikes contributing to road trauma anywhere. Then thirdly, it’s about education.
“We actually have motocross clubs in Parwan and Maddingley that are made for this activity, not the main streets of town or in reserves.
“We don’t want to stop kids going for a ride, but there’s places to do it legally and we need to make sure that message gets out there.”
Senior Sergeant Quigg said the solo unit would be out a number of times throughout the year to reinforce their message and ease the strain on local police.
Police will also focus on motor bike safety and responsible motor bike usage.
Senior Sergeant Quigg urged members of the public to continue to use the police ‘Eyewatch’ Facebook page to help identify potential offenders in the area.
The operation follows a statewide Easter road blitz which recorded a high number of offences across the area, including 96 speeding offences in Moorabool and 39 speeding offences in Melton.
