State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has called on the Wallsend electorate to continue its great work on reporting illegal motorbike riding on our roads, after several people faced court for numerous traffic offences, including using an unregistered motor vehicle, riding on footpaths, not wearing an approved helmet and disqualified driving.
Ms Hornery recently met with Superintendent Brett Greentree regarding ongoing reports of dangerous riding of motorbikes on local roads and across sporting fields.
Ms Horney’s office has been working very closely with local Police officers since, and has provided a number of photos, videos and personal information to them.
While this is a good start, Ms Hornery is calling on the community to keep up the reporting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, where information can be provided confidentially.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“Following my meeting with Brett last week, we have had dozens of people come forward with videos, photos and information that has been very helpful and Police have been able to act on some of the information provided.”
“Some of the people involved have tried to intimidate me with threats against me and my office but the community has stood strong and come forward in droves with information.”
“This crackdown is not about stopping kids and people heading out into the bush for a ride on their bikes, this is about the people who have absolutely no respect for themselves, other road users and authority.”
“They are causing mayhem on our roads and putting young lives at risk when riding across local football fields and netball courts while children are training. They are weaving in and out of traffic at high speed without helmets, forcing cars to brake suddenly or swerve dangerously.”
“Parents who are buying bikes for their children need to understand that they can only ride those bikes at tracks and parks, not at the local football field and not on local roads. Parents whose children are into shooting are not letting their kids go down to the local park or the streets to practice, they are taking them to the appropriate facilities. The same applies to bikes.”
“I have been advocating for more spaces to ride and that push continues. People can contact my office for a petition on the issue.”
“I thank the community for their efforts so far and encourage them to continue reporting incidents to Police and after that to my office.”