Dozens of young people on electric bikes have sparked community concern after a viral 'rideout' saw them descend on a prestigious golf course in Sydney. The incident is part of a growing trend of mass eBike meet-ups that are raising significant safety and public nuisance issues across Australia's major cities.
Incidents in Sydney and Melbourne Prompt Police Response
On Friday, an estimated 60 young eBike riders rolled over the undulating greens of the Long Reef Golf Club in north Sydney. The event was captured on video and quickly spread online. The incident was reported to New South Wales police, who conducted a patrol but found the riders had already left the area.
Ben Russell, the general manager of the golf club, confirmed that while no extensive damage was done, the act was disruptive. He revealed this was not an isolated event, stating the club has seen an increasing number of vandalism incidents involving eBikes over the past year, with riders skidding on greens and damaging turf. In response, the club is installing mobile CCTV towers around the course.
The following day in Melbourne, a planned meet-up saw around 100 similar eBikes take over roads before converging on the Docklands area. Victoria police are investigating the event after receiving several reports of dangerous riding, including travelling at high speeds, using the wrong side of the road, weaving through traffic, and running red lights.
The Rise of 'Fat Bikes' and Community Tensions
Electric bikes, particularly powerful 'fat bikes', have gained a cult following among young Australians. However, the sight of large groups, or 'swarms', zooming through urban and suburban streets is increasingly irking residents and authorities.
Peter McLean, chief executive of Bicycle NSW, said he regularly receives videos and messages about such incidents. While he recognises the positive potential of eBikes for independent travel, connecting young people to education and social activities, he highlights the risks. "When we have really high powered eBikes and people driving them dangerously and without helmets, then they certainly pose a significant risk," McLean stated.
Community concerns are not new. Almost two years ago, Harold Scruby of the Pedestrian Council warned about safety for both riders and pedestrians, criticising a lack of regulation and the illegal modification of bikes beyond legal bicycle parameters, effectively creating motorbikes on footpaths.
Calls for a National Regulatory Framework
The push for clearer national rules is gaining momentum. In December, following the death of a rider in a collision with a garbage truck, NSW Premier Chris Minns announced a plan to halve eBike power output to 250 watts to reduce top speeds.
Last November, transport ministers from across the country agreed to work towards a consistent regulatory framework for eBikes to ensure safe supply and use. McLean supports this move, noting that for years Australia has been able to "import anything we like," which has led to significant challenges.
As these high-powered bikes continue to proliferate, the tension between their benefits for mobility and the dangers of unregulated, anti-social use is set to dominate discussions on urban transport and community safety in Australia.
