By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A monkey bike rider who was photographed by a Star News photographer as they illegally buzzed past on Heatherton Road and at Endeavour Hills shopping centre has since been identified by a resident.
The under-age teenager, whose riding interrupted a Remembrance Day service on 8 November, was described by the resident as a serial pest who rode on footpaths, roads and reserves “most days”.
“It drives us nuts,” said the complainant – who asked their name be withheld for fear of retribution.
Star News has passed on the rider’s alleged name and address and its photographs to Victoria Police, which is investigating the incident.
According to the complainant, the boy has revved and rode a monkey bike around the Mossgiel Park Primary School area for several years.
Despite numerous complaints to police, the rider persisted in being a dangerous nuisance, the resident said.
“Surely they should just take his bike,” the resident said.
The resident claimed on a recent occasion that a driver nearly collided with the rider as he rounded a road corner.
“He thinks he’s invincible. The unfortunate thing is he goes into court and he keeps being let off.
“To him, it’s like a joke.”
Two Victorians have died in monkey-bike incidents in the past 18 months, including a mother-of-two who was struck by a monkey bike in a Carrum Downs shopping centre car park last year.
In response, the State Government introduced laws that monkey bikes used on public roads can be seized, and the offender taken to court and fined up to $3109.
At the discretion of the court, the bike may be crushed.
Bikes found without a rider can be impounded and crushed after three months.
Previously, offenders faced no more than a fine for riding an unregistered vehicle – unless they were riding recklessly or speeding.
Sergeant John Blackburn of Endeavour Hills police recently said he was concerned by “numerous” under-age monkey bike riders.
Often the riders weren’t licensed and their bikes were unregistered, he said.
“We’ve got a lot of elderly people and young kids in the area.
“These kids riding have got no idea of safety and the wellbeing of pedestrians in the area.
“They don’t know the consequences if they hit someone and the damage they can do to themselves riding these things.”
Sgt Blackburn said police sought information on who were the riders and where the bikes were coming from.
“Parents should know the riders have the bikes. They need to take responsibility and prevent the use.
“As the weather gets warmer, we normally see them come out more often.”
Roads and Roads Safety Minister Luke Donnellan, who is also the MP for Narre Warren North, said monkey bikes were unsafe.
“If you’re riding one in public, you’re breaking the law.
“Police won’t be granting second chances when it comes to keeping these bikes off our streets, and keeping people safe.”
Premier Daniel Andrews said the Government wouldn’t “stand by and watch another person hurt on our roads by these dangerous bikes”.
