By Jesse Graham
POLICE will be able to seize and destroy illegal miniature motorbikes under a new law, set to be introduced by the Victorian Government this week.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Road Safety Minister Luke Donnellan announced on Tuesday, 25 October that the government would introduce the Road Legislation Further Amendment Bill (2016) to parliament during the week.
The amendment, if it passes parliament, will allow Victoria Police officers to seize and impound miniature motorbikes (also known as monkey bikes) if they are used on the roads or in car parks – the owner or rider will have to appear in court, with fines of up to $3109 applicable, and the bike may be crushed.
Healesville police Leading Senior Constable Tim Stewart welcomed the amendment, and said it would help police in areas where monkey bikes were causing problems.
However, he said that in his three years working in Healesville, there were no incidents he could remember involving the miniature bikes.
“When they first came out, they were quite popular and cheap, and everyone had them, but we haven’t come across any for a long time,” he said.
“I think it’s a good idea for communities that are being annoyed by them, but we don’t really have a problem with them up here.”
Leading Sen Const Stewart said because the motorbikes do not fit the specifications to be registered, anyone caught riding one in public could be charged with riding an unregistered motorbike.
Fines for riding an unregistered bike range from $155 for bikes with engines of 60cc and less up to $777 for bikes of 500cc or more.
To add to the charges, Leading Sen Const Stewart said anyone riding one of the motorbikes without a valid motorbike licence could be charged with unlicensed driving – another $777 fine.
Speeding and reckless driving fines also apply, if the rider is behaving dangerously.
The amendment came about after the death of a woman who was hit by a miniature motorbike in a Carrum Downs shopping centre car park in 2015.
“We’re not going to stand by and watch another person hurt on our roads by these dangerous bikes,” Mr Andrews said.
Mr Donnellan said that police “won’t be granting second chances” to miniature motorbike riders under the new law.
“Monkey bikes are unsafe, and if you’re riding one in public, you’re breaking the law,” he said.
Monkey bikes are legal for use on private properties, and will remain so under the amendment.
