A popular e-bike ride event in Los Angeles was recently organized by renowned e-bike influencer, Sur Ronster.
Sur Ronster boasts a massive online following, with over 5 million fans across various platforms.
Assistant Commissioner David Driver expressed strong disapproval, saying, “Not only was that conduct illegal, but it was also extremely irresponsible, foolish, and incredibly dangerous.”
He highlighted the risks by noting, “The riders were executing U-turns right in front of oncoming traffic.”
“Heavy vehicles had to apply brakes suddenly to avoid potential collisions,” Driver explained.
Driver emphasized the potential consequences, stating, “We don’t want to be the ones delivering the tragic news that your child has been killed in one of these reckless rideouts.”
The Assistant Commissioner said that some of these e-rideables have been modified to “effectively become motorbikes”, which he urged makes them significantly more dangerous.
NSW Police confirmed officers were called to Hickson Road, Sydney, around 4.30pm yesterday following multiple reports of a large group riding dangerously.
About 40 riders were located riding on the Harbour Bridge dangerously, but dispersed when police arrived.
Police have said they have identified license plates, school uniforms and “very clear footage” which they will use to prosecute those who took part in the dangerous stunt.
“Police could not initiate a pursuit due to safety concerns,” a spokesperson told 9news.com.au.
“About 5.30pm on the same day, police located the group at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, where they were spoken to and dispersed.”
“It’s regrettable that the original decision was made to have a 500 watt output rather than a 250 watt output because we’re now in a situation where we’re trying to close the barn door after close to a million of these machines are on Sydney streets,” he said.
“We’re working on a program and we’ll have more to say soon.”
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said wattage limits aren’t enough.
“Joy rides on the Sydney Harbour Bridge are stupid, unsafe and a middle finger to the police and the community,” she said in Parliament yesterday.
“These kids know they are unaccountable and untouchable until there is compulsory licence plates, enforcement and accountability.”
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