Hawke’s Bay Police have arrested three people, referred one youth to Youth Services and impounded four off-road motorbikes as part of work to keep riders on track by disrupting dangerous riding activity on Hawkes Bay roads, parks, and reserves.
Police have responded to incidents of extreme concern where dangerous driving and illegal riding activity has taken place in and around Hastings and Napier.
Some of the illegal and dangerous riding behaviours include riding on roads without a licence, riding a motorbike that doesn’t have a registration or warrant of fitness; and dangerous riding behaviour such as riding on footpaths, crossing centre lines, riding through red lights, towards incoming traffic and doing wheelies.
“Most motorcyclists, both on and off-road, are aware and follow the law. This is a case of a few bad riders giving everyone a bad reputation and we want to see it stop,” says Senior Sergeant Neale Saunders, Hawkes Bay Police.
On Wednesday 6 March, Police responded to reports of two off-road bikes being ridden in an unsafe manner, including through roads and grass areas, including through the Hastings town centre.
An 18-year-old man was arrested on Cunningham Crescent, Hastings, and his motorcycle impounded. The second rider, a 19-year-old man, was located on Tom Parker Avenue, Napier, a short time later and his motorbike impounded. Later in the day, a third man was arrested and his motorbike impounded when he failed to stop for Police. Charges are considered for each of the three arrested. Earlier in the week, a youth was located after he failed to stop for Police, his motorbike was impounded and he will be dealt with through youth aid.
Dangerous and illegal riding is extremely dangerous not only for the riders themselves and Police, but for members of the public also.
“We had a recent incident where a motorcyclist collided with a car making a turn while undertaking cars at speed on Kennedy Road. That rider sustained life -threatening injuries after being thrown off the bike,” says Senior Sergeant Saunders.
Police’s message is clear: If you ride your off-road bike or dirt bike where you shouldn’t, or in an anti-social manner, you can expect that we will do everything in our power to identify you and take enforcement action.
“At every opportunity we will impound and seize your motorbike and prosecute riders.”
It is illegal to ride a dirt bike on the road unless it is roadworthy with a current warrant and registration.
Police will continue to prosecute anyone identified riding motorcycles recklessly, or illegally.
The community play a vital role in being able to identify illegal and dangerous motorbike riders. These recent arrests would not have been possible without information received from the public.
Police continue to urge the community to call or report information as and when they observe this type of offending. Police would also like to hear from anyone that has information about addresses these riders come and go from, as this can be a less risky way to apprehend riders than to try to stop riders on the move.
Information can be provided via 111 if it is happening at the time, or 105 is it is after the fact.
Alternatively, any information can be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
