A month-long police e-bike “crackdown” operation on the Northern Beaches, culminating in a final display of force on the Manly beachfront yesterday, has resulted in 32 fines and more than a few words of caution.
Operation Kilowatt was a month-long initiative by NSW Police focusing on high-visibility enforcement, education, and community engagement at Avalon, Manly, and Dee Why.
Police say they conducted 305 e-bike compliance checks with 28 illegal e-bikes identified. The core offenders in the operation were young people with over 60 official warnings issued under the Young Offenders Act. But adults were targeted too, with 30 cautions handed out.
But, it wasn’t all wrist slapping.
Riders considered to be committing offences such as not wearing a helmet or using a mobile phone while riding were issued fines of $410. While people caught for illegal e-bike use – including adding modifications not in compliance with legislation – were dealt a penalty worth almost double at $818.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver urged parents to make an “informed decision” if they were considering buying an e-bike for their child.
“Parents need to understand e-bike riders are subject to the same rules as bicycle riders. They need to make sure the e-bike is not unlawfully modified and complies with the law,” he said.
“Police commonly see illegal and modified e-bikes where the motor becomes the primary source of propelling the bike – essentially making it a motorbike… The use of unlawfully modified e-bikes create a significant risk when used in pedestrian or heavy traffic areas.”
Assistant Commissioner Driver reminded parents of the life-saving need for their child to wear an approved helmet, to only ride on a footpath if they are under 16 and to not use their phone to text, use social media or take videos while riding.
The crackdown coincides with similar operations over the past year, with police deployed to other locations across the state to educate young people and adults about the dangers of riding illegal and modified e-bikes.
Multiple police lined Manly beachfront alongside Northern Beaches Council representatives yesterday morning, July 15, as part of the campaign.
The issue of e-bike safety also returned to Northern Beaches Council chambers last night, with councillors voting in support of trialling a new bike education system in schools.
Council voted to participate in a Student Bicycle Licence Scheme being trialled by Bicycle NSW.
Introduced via a Mayoral Minute, Mayor Sue Heins said that very little expense (about $3,000), and in return for useful local e-bike data, Council would be part of the trial encourage local schools in its local government area to participate in the scheme and adding its approval behind the licences.
Her mayoral minute argues: “At a state level, there is currently no consistent bicycle education or awareness programs for schools in NSW and I believe that it is critical that young people have a basic understanding of road rules, safety measures and bicycle use etiquette.”
“To address this gap, Bicycle NSW is currently offering to work with local councils and schools through a Student Bicycle Licence Scheme.”
The program involves a basic online testing process to ensure students can demonstrate basic competencies in bicycle safety, road rules and etiquette which would result in a digital licence including named recognition of Council.
It will be up to each school as to how it chooses to implement the licensing scheme with its respective communities; for example, if they wish to make this mandatory for students who ride to school.
Local e-bike enthusiast, 14 year old Tilly Cooper spoke to Council ahead of the vote to share her support for all forms of rider education, having just completed an education program herself as an ambassador for E-bike Safety Australia via Beaches Electric Bikes. E-bike Safety Australia, however, were not aware of the trial, and said they could have provided it for free. They also argued the matter should be led by the Department of Education. This matter may be looked at in subsequent stories.
“E-bikes are booming in popularity. They’re sparse, affordable, eco friendly and super fun, and they’ve quickly become one of the most popular ways for young people to get around our community,” Tilly told the Chamber. “But with this growth comes an urge and a need for better education and awareness around road safety. That’s why road user education is so important.”
“So we need support that means more education, better infrastructure and consistent messaging that starts early and sticks together. We can build a culture when cycling especially for young people, is not just encouraged but taken seriously and supported, a culture where safety and time go hand in hand.”
Concerned that there was no open Expression of Interest process and that there was a “more experienced organisation that has a proven track record in running such programs”, last night Cr Vincent De Luca lodged a rescission motion on the mayoral minute, requiring it to be reconsidered at the next meeting.
Read our most article on this topic here.
E-bike rules
– Rider must primarily propel the bike with the pedals.
– Motors are intended to assist when riding uphill or into headwind, not as the primary source of propulsion.
– An electrically power-assisted cycle can only have a maximum power output of 500 watts.
– The electric motor must cut off when the bicycle reaches 25km/h.
– The electric motor should not assist the rider when travelling more than 25km/h but does not prevent the rider travelling faster with their own pedalling or going downhill.
– The motor can be used up to 6km/h before the rider must pedal.
– Illegal e-bikes are not able to be registered in NSW and are therefore unregistered and uninsured motor vehicles.
– All riders and passengers must wear approved helmets that are securely fitted and fastened.
– Only children under 16 years of age or adults accompanying a child under 16 can ride on a footpath, unless there are signs prohibiting bicycle riding.
– Riders need to keep to the left and give way to pedestrians on shared paths or footpaths.
– Mobile phones must be hands free or secured in a commercially manufactured phone holder fixed to the bike.
– It is illegal to text, make video phone calls, use social media, or take photos/videos while riding.
– Visit Transport for NSW e-bike website for more information.
Fines
– $818 for illegal e-bike use.
– $410 for not wearing an approved helmet.
– $410 for holding a mobile phone.
– Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to fines or imprisonment.
– Penalties apply for negligent or dangerous riding.
