Police Probe Sydney Harbour Bridge E-Bike Incident Amid Safety Concerns
A large group of e-bike and motorcycle riders who illegally crossed the Sydney Harbour Bridge during peak-hour traffic has triggered a police investigation and urgent calls from the NRMA for regulatory action. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, involved approximately 40 individuals riding along the bridge's main deck, where cycling is strictly prohibited, before turning around and proceeding through the CBD and Haymarket.
Dangerous Riding Prompts Police Response and Public Outcry
New South Wales police have confirmed they are actively investigating the participants, with no arrests or charges yet made. Assistant Commissioner David Driver emphasised the serious risks involved, stating, "This had potential for people to be injured and killed." Officers are working to identify riders through school uniforms and registered bike details, while Driver urged parents to have "strong conversations with their children" about road safety.
Social media footage shows riders, including those on so-called fat bikes, travelling south on the Western Distributor and performing stunts on public roads. Police were called to Hickson Road around 4:30pm following reports of dangerous riding, tracking the group to Mrs Macquarie's Chair near the botanic gardens where they dispersed.
NRMA Calls for Immediate Crackdown and Registration Scheme
The NRMA has responded forcefully, describing the situation as a burgeoning "road safety disaster" and demanding immediate action. Spokesperson Peter Khoury called for a formal registration scheme and greater authority for police and council rangers to confiscate bikes used illegally or by underage riders. "We need to find a way to get these kids off these bikes, and absolutely get these kids off our roads," Khoury stated, adding that "parents have got to stop buying kids these bikes."
Government Under Pressure as E-Bike Popularity Surges
The NSW government faces mounting scrutiny over its response to increasing e-bike and motorcycle use on roads. Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the Harbour Bridge incident, noting "we're working on changes, we'll have more to say soon." He attributed part of the problem to the previous government's decision to increase the maximum legal power for e-bikes from 250 to 500 watts, saying "we're now trying to close the barn door" with nearly a million such machines already on Sydney streets.
This incident follows last month's disruption when about 60 young e-bike riders rolled over a north Sydney golf course, reflecting a growing trend of organised "rideout" meet-ups. The opposition's shadow transport minister, Natalie Ward, criticised the government's inaction, calling the bridge incident "an inevitable consequence of a government that has refused to act." She highlighted opposition proposals for identification plates for young riders and commercial e-bike operators to improve enforcement.
Ongoing Inquiry and Regulatory Challenges
The NSW government's 2024 inquiry into e-scooters, e-bikes, and related mobility options has produced recommendations including improved safety standards to reduce lithium-ion battery fires, rider education campaigns, and infrastructure investment. However, Tuesday's incident demonstrates the urgent need for effective implementation as e-bike popularity continues to grow across Australian cities.
Separately, social media footage shows American motorcycle content creator Sur Ronster holding an impromptu fan meet-up under the Sydney Harbour Bridge around 4pm on Tuesday, though no allegations of wrongdoing have been made against him. The convergence of influencer culture and growing e-bike communities presents additional challenges for authorities managing road safety in urban areas.
