‘It just seemed so dangerous’: Footage of bikers startle Aussies online
- Replies 1
The bustling streets of Australia often have the usual sights: vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles weaving through traffic.
Yet, recently, a new trend has emerged that's causing a stir and putting young lives at risk, along with a potentially hefty fine.
A group of teenagers were spotted engaging in an 'extremely dangerous' act on a busy motorway.
These young men sought thrill on the road and took their e-bikes and scooters through a tunnel on General Holmes Drive.
These riders travelled at speeds of around 70 km/h.
An anonymous citizen caught the scene on video, as some teens rode their bikes one-handed and filmed each other on their phones.
The footage that surfaced online only showed seven boys.
However, the person who recorded the incident claimed there were 'about 30' teens in total.
'I was honestly just gobsmacked,' the anonymous poster said.
'Maybe it’s legal, but it just seemed so dangerous in that very moment of driving next to them.'
According to New South Wales laws, it's illegal to ride a bicycle or e-bike in motorway tunnels.
Violators of this rule could face a $320 fine and could skyrocket to $2,200 should it reach the court.
Apart from riding in a tunnel, many spectators also pointed out the modifications made to these e-bikes.
Peter McLean of Bicycle NSW expressed his concern over illegally modified e-bikes that could reach alarming speeds of up to 100 km/h.
'With something that’s basically very little design, quality construction, or quality materials, it’s terrifying to be honest,' Mr McLean shared.
He also highlighted the grave danger these riders face when not wearing helmets.
The chance of fatality could be as near as 100 per cent should they encounter an accident.
Tunnels are designed exclusively for motor vehicles as they offer no safe space for cyclists or pedestrians.
This lack of safe infrastructure is precisely why organisations like Bicycle NSW advocate for better options for cyclists on the roads.
While many e-bike riders are responsible and follow the rules, the lack of etiquette and respect on the road could tarnish cyclists’ reputation.
'Our roads are there to share, and it makes our job at Bicycle NSW harder when you’ve got irresponsible people out doing the total opposite and not considering all the road users,' Mr McLean lamented.
If you’re planning to give your grandchildren e-bikes in the future, it's crucial to educate the young ones about road safety and the serious consequences of reckless behaviour on the road.
Not only is it about obeying the law, but it's also about preserving their safety and of others.
Have you witnessed similar incidents on your local roads? How do you think we can better educate our youth about the dangers of such actions? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Yet, recently, a new trend has emerged that's causing a stir and putting young lives at risk, along with a potentially hefty fine.
A group of teenagers were spotted engaging in an 'extremely dangerous' act on a busy motorway.
These young men sought thrill on the road and took their e-bikes and scooters through a tunnel on General Holmes Drive.
These riders travelled at speeds of around 70 km/h.
An anonymous citizen caught the scene on video, as some teens rode their bikes one-handed and filmed each other on their phones.
A group of teenagers traversed a tunnel with their e-bikes. Image Credit: Facebook/Jennaya Lee
The footage that surfaced online only showed seven boys.
However, the person who recorded the incident claimed there were 'about 30' teens in total.
'I was honestly just gobsmacked,' the anonymous poster said.
'Maybe it’s legal, but it just seemed so dangerous in that very moment of driving next to them.'
According to New South Wales laws, it's illegal to ride a bicycle or e-bike in motorway tunnels.
Violators of this rule could face a $320 fine and could skyrocket to $2,200 should it reach the court.
Apart from riding in a tunnel, many spectators also pointed out the modifications made to these e-bikes.
Peter McLean of Bicycle NSW expressed his concern over illegally modified e-bikes that could reach alarming speeds of up to 100 km/h.
'With something that’s basically very little design, quality construction, or quality materials, it’s terrifying to be honest,' Mr McLean shared.
He also highlighted the grave danger these riders face when not wearing helmets.
The chance of fatality could be as near as 100 per cent should they encounter an accident.
Tunnels are designed exclusively for motor vehicles as they offer no safe space for cyclists or pedestrians.
This lack of safe infrastructure is precisely why organisations like Bicycle NSW advocate for better options for cyclists on the roads.
While many e-bike riders are responsible and follow the rules, the lack of etiquette and respect on the road could tarnish cyclists’ reputation.
'Our roads are there to share, and it makes our job at Bicycle NSW harder when you’ve got irresponsible people out doing the total opposite and not considering all the road users,' Mr McLean lamented.
If you’re planning to give your grandchildren e-bikes in the future, it's crucial to educate the young ones about road safety and the serious consequences of reckless behaviour on the road.
Not only is it about obeying the law, but it's also about preserving their safety and of others.
Have you witnessed similar incidents on your local roads? How do you think we can better educate our youth about the dangers of such actions? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
.png){kind=icon}
