Police issued more than 200 infringement notices as part of a traffic operation in the CBD focussing on dangerous rider behaviour associated with food delivery services on Wednesday.
Officers from Melbourne East, supported by the Melbourne Bicycle Patrol, Brimbank Highway Patrol and Transit Safety Division, ran Operation Mongoose in collaboration with the City of Melbourne on-street compliance team.
A range of bicycle, motorcycle, pedestrian and other traffic offences were detected, with at least one-quarter of offences relating to delivery bike users.
Melbourne East Local Area Commander Troy Papworth said Mongoose was a proactive enforcement and education operation to address safety issues associated with delivery bike users.
“Police, like the community, have seen food delivery services more frequently utilising cyclists, small motor-scooters, e-bikes and motorcycles to transport products to consumers across the city,” Insp Papworth said.
“Any situation where bikes and powered bikes mix with pedestrians presents increased risks, and this is only heightened if road rules aren’t being followed.
“Of particular concern to police is behaviour such as riding on footpaths, weaving through traffic and pedestrians and parking inappropriately.”
More than 160 serious injury collisions involving a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist have occurred in the CBD so far this year, making up more than two-thirds of all serious injury collisions in the city.
“That’s about one collision every two days that sees one of these vulnerable road users requiring hospitalisation for their injuries,” Insp Papworth said.
“We know the number of minor collisions and near misses is much higher so this is a safety issue we’re treating seriously.”
232 infringement notices were issued by police including:
• 1 for drive motor vehicle whilst suspended. A male driver will be summonsed to appear at court at a later date.
• 5 for bicyclists failing to obey a traffic light which incurs a fine of $413.
• 9 for using a mobile phone while driving or riding which incurs a fine of $496.
• 20 for person over 12-years-old riding on a footpath which incurs a fine of $165.
• 14 for bicyclists failing to have lights or equipment which incurs a fine of $207.
• 7 for failing to wear a security fitted approved bicycle helmet which incurs a fine of $207.
• 8 for riding through Bourke Street Mall which incurs a fine of $165
• 5 for disobeying traffic control signals which incurs a fine of $413.
• 1 for use unregistered motor vehicle which incurs a fine of $826.
A further 162 penalty notices were issued for other traffic-related offences. One male was also arrested for outstanding warrants.
During the operation officers also educated riders about relevant road rules to ensure they are equipped with the right information to conduct themselves safely on roads and footpaths.
Victoria Police is working with delivery service operators to ensure their employees are better educated about road rules and safety issues.
