Tag Archives: police

Motorcycle News, News

Rider critical after stolen bike crash

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A 19-year-old male rider on a stolen motorcycle has been critically injured in a crash with two cars at Granville overnight.

NSW Police say the teenager was riding a stolen Suzuki motorcycle north on Blaxcell St, Granville, about 11pm last night (29 August 2019), when he attempted to overtake two vehicles.

“The motorcycle collided with a concrete island, and then a parked Toyota Yaris, which was then pushed into a Toyota Corolla,” police say.

“The rider was thrown to the roadway, and slid under the Yaris.”

The man was taken by ambulance to Westmead Hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition with head and limb injuries.

Subsequent inquiries revealed the motorcycle to be stolen.

Officers from Cumberland Police District continue with inquiries into the incident.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Here’s how you can protect your bike from being stolen

  • When riding home, make sure you are not being followed.
  • Stay alert for suspicious vans or trucks driving around late at night. These are used to transport stolen motorcycles.
  • Put a cover over your bike. It might slow down thieves and prevent theft of accessories. But make sure it isn’t a flashy lone with the brand name of the bike on it. That only entices thieves.
  • When riding in a group, park your bikes together.
  • Consider marking your bike in a unique way that could aid in recovery and therefore dissuade thieves.
  • At hotels or public parking spaces, try to park in view of parking lot security cameras and lights.
  • Install a motorcycle alarm and/or a hidden kill switch.
  • Buy a GPS tracking system that can track and relay your bike’s speed, location and direction.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Driver remains in jail after scooter hit-run

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A 55-year-old Sydney driver who ran away from police after allegedly failing to stop following a crash with a scooter rider will remain in jail until his next court appearance on 8 October 2019.

Police will allege Paul Andrew Brown’s Toyota HiLux utility collided with a Vespa scooter on August 14 at the intersection of Wellbank and Spring streets, Concord.

Hit run bail jail
Image: Google Maps

“The driver of the utility allegedly failed to stop to render assistance and continued to drive north on Spring Street,” police say.

The 34-year-old female scooter rider suffered serious injuries and was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where she remains in a stable condition.

Officers from the Crash Investigation Unit found Brown’s ute parked in North Strathfield about 2.30pm the day after the crash.

After a short foot pursuit, police arrested Brown and took him to Burwood Police Station where he was refused bail.

Brown faced Burwood Local Court the next day charged with failing to stop and render aid, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and not exchange particulars.

He was denied bail and remanded in jail to appear again on Tuesday (27 August 2019) for mention.

Brown’s lawyer has not applied for bail, so he will remain in jail until his next court appearance on 8 October 2019.

Spate of hit-and-runs

The incident follows a worrying spate of hit-and-run crashes leaving motorcyclists injured and dead.

In NSW, the requirement for those involved in a crash to remain at the scene until police arrive was dropped in 2014, even if a tow truck is required.

However, the motorists must report the incident to police and remain at the scene if anyone is injured.

If they don’t, police can charge a motorist with failing to stop at the scene of an accident which is considered a serious offence.

Depending on whether someone is injured or killed in the crash, the motorist responsible could face serious charges with up to 10 years in jail.

Police say motorists leaving an accident scene where someone is injured decrease a victim’s chance of survival.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Funeral cortege honour for Siemon Mulder

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The rider who found the body of missing Sandgate rider Siemon Mulder hopes to organise a cortege of riders for the funeral if the family agrees.

Kyle Gilroy says he was out for a solo Sunday ride up to Maleny when he low-sided the BMW S 1000 RR he was riding.

As he was picking up the bike, he noticed Siemon’s blue Triumph Sprint ST down a steep embankment.

missing Funeral cortege plan for Siemon Mulder
Siemon with his son, Paul

Siemon, 66, had set out for a “joy ride” to Esk at 9am on Monday (19 August 2019). He was due back at noon but never returned, crashing on the Maleny Stanley River Road at Booroobin.

Kyle stumbled on the scene, literally by accident.

“I wasn’t injured and my bike only had light scratches. It was a small low side,” says Kyle.

“As I was picking up my bike, I saw the Triumph in the bushes.

“I ran down to help but then I realised it was Siemon because I had seen the poster on Facebook.”

Funeral cortege plan for Siemon Mulder
Kyle Gilroy on a BMW S 1000 RR

Kyle, who comes from Scotland and has been living here seven years, hopes to organise riders to form a funeral cortege to honour Siemon.

“It’s something we do in Scotland if a biker dies. It’s a nice gesture for a fallen colleague,” he says.

Siemon’s son, Paul, says the family is “still coming to terms with everything” and has not yet made any funeral arrangements.

Crash cause?

The Coroner is preparing a report on the incident.

Kyle says he is baffled by the crash. 

“I wasn’t hanging about and I didn’t go off the road,” says Kyle who has been riding 10 years.

“Siemon just went straight over the edge with no skid marks or anything.

“I don’t think he’s leaned it over at all, he overshot the corner by miles and just drove straight over the edge.

“Maybe it was a heart attack or stroke.”

The Mulder family says Siemon had no history of health issues.

Other possible causes could be wildlife or another vehicle. We will await the Coroner’s report.

Dangerous corner?

Funeral cortege plan for Siemon Mulder
Sweetwater corner

The corner is known as Sweetwater as it is near the Sweetwater Cottage.

It’s one of two blind, uphill left-handers that tightens.

“I’ve been over there plenty of times,” Kyle says.

“I had the perfect line and should have made it but the tyres were a bit fresh.

“I know the front end goes a bit light there where the camber flattens out a bit.

“It was just me being stupid.”

Several readers have pointed out that they have also crashed or know of riders crashing on the corner.

However, Kyle defends the road and says it is not to blame.

“It’s a beautiful section of road,” he says.

“The corner often catches people out, but I don’t blame the road and I don’t want that area knocked down to a 60km/h speed.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Crashed rider finds missing motorcyclist

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A rider who slid off the road has coincidentally found the body of Sandgate rider Siemon Mulder who went missing while out for a ride last Monday (19 August 2019).

Siemon, 66, set out for a “joy ride” at 9am on Monday (19 August 2019) on his blue Triumph Sprint ST registration 769DW, heading to Esk. He was due back at noon but never returned.

His son, Paul, says it was a chance crash by a rider that led to the sad discovery this morning at 8.20 near a left-hand bend on the Maleny Stanley River Road at Booroobin.

Sade discovery

“Coincidentally a rider slid off the road at the exact same spot,” Paul says.

“Police told us he was picking his bike up when he noticed dad’s bike down a steep embankment.

“I don’t know who the rider is, but it was very lucky, otherwise we could have been looking for weeks and weeks.

“Volunteers actually walked along that area a few times already and we flew over it in a helicopter the other day.

“If you didn’t know where to look you wouldn’t have seen anything, even if you were right over the top.”

Siemon Mulder
Siemon Mulder

Thanks to volunteers

Paul says the whole family would like to extend their thanks to the South East Queensland motorcycle community for rallying to their aid in the search.

“Mum (Wendy) has been in tears of happiness for all the people who have come to our aid and helped with the search,” he says.

“A big thanks to everyone.”

Colin Francis, whose daughter is scheduled to marry Siemon’s son, Luke, on August 31, says the discovery is “at least is some closure for the family, but it’s not the outcome we had hoped for”.

“We’ve been out on the Esk Rd today and there were hundreds of riders out,” he says.

“These people responded to our call and they have done a magnificent job.

“I even saw a few guys on scooters stopping and peering over the edges of the road.

“The motorcycle community camaraderie is real.”

fears thanks
Paul and Siemon

Paul says he would occasionally ride his Kawasaki Ninja 300 with his father.

“I used to live in Victoria and I once rode up from Victoria and he met me half way,” he said.

“He was an avid rider who loved freedom.

“He was a true gentleman, very kind and a gentle man who was willing to help anyone out.”

The sad incident is a timely lesson for all solo riders to tell others where they are going.

Always take your mobile phone, download locator apps or, if in remote areas with no mobile signal, pack an EPIRB, beacon or GPS tracker.

A report on the incident will be prepared for the coroner.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24 hours a day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP1901609506

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

No enforcement at police education campaign

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There was “no sign of enforcement” on the first of a two-day police and emergency services motorcycle road safety education campaign with riders on the Gold Coast hinterland.

The campaign continues Sunday (25 August 2019) at the Numinbah Valley School of Arts Hall from 7am-1pm, run by the Nerang Police Station and Coomera Road Policing Unit.

Nerang Police Sgt Graeme Reeves says they had a “fairly good role-up of bikes” on the Saturday morning.

“All the bike riders seemed pretty impressed with the free sausage sizzle, water giveaway on a cold morning and all were very happy with the prizes on display and free entry in Mondays raffle,” he says.North Upright road safety campaign police

Campaign continues

Our Gold Coast correspondent, Todd Parkes, said many riders stopped “by choice” and interacted with the police.

“It was seen as a positive experience, not just by the officers, but by the general public,” Todd says.

The Gold Coast hinterland has a heap of attractions for riders including winding roads, a Red Rattler with an Iron and Resin finish, writes local rider and MBW contributor Todd Parkes.
Todd and his Honda CB500R

“It showed no sign of enforcement at all.

“Snr Sgt Gordon related that many riders had dropped in and some had slowed warily as they moved through. They were not sure if it was overt enforcement or something else as the road rules are enforced regularly in the hinterland. I did not see any targeting or profiling of riders in the area at all.

“Senior Sergeant Peter Gordon explained this community interaction event has been occurring twice a year for the last few years since commencing on 2015 when 12 motorcycle fatalities had occurred. Since then, presumably as a result of a combination of all the aforementioned programs, there has been quite a reduction in fatalities. The objective of the operation is to provide a public interface opportunity where riders can chat, mingle, speak to relevant emergency and traffic officers about a range of topics as well as gain materials that educate them about riding to survive.” 

Todd says Snr Sgt Gordon told him that the riders who stopped didn’t need any preaching or converting as they are “aware and open to its purpose”.

“Personally I enjoyed the opportunity to just talk with guys about bikes, life and riding who just happen to wear a uniform,” Todd says.

“I encourage riders heading down the Numinbah Valley roads to pay a visit to for a chat and feed.”

Education campaign

Police talk to riders at a 2016 Operation North Upright event enforce road safety week questions
Police talk to riders at a previous Operation North Upright event

The campaign continues the Operation North Upright program that Nerang Police Station has been running for the past few years with regular one-day events.

It includes a free raffle for all who attend with the following prizes: Axo, Scorpion and RJays motorcycle boots; Five and RJays motorcycle gloves; Motul chain cleaning kit; and Royal Enfeild t-shirt.

The raffle will be drawn at the Nerang Police Station on 27 August 2019. Winners will be able to exchange prizes for the proper size boots or gloves at the dealer.

There is also a free sausage sizzle and bottles of water for all riders.

Riders will be able to ask questions of the police, ambulance, fireys and Department of Transport and Main Roads officials.

Questions can include bike the legality of bike modifications, helmet rules or various road rules.

Police say Operation North Upright is designed to “talk with any bike riders, give advice and listen to their concerns”.

Riders have claimed previous similar events have been accompanied by a high presence of police in the area, enforcing road rules and vehicle compliance.

Road Safety messages from Operation North Upright

  • The faster you go, the harder you hit. And on a bike, you’ll always come off second‐best. The only thing speeding gets you closer to is a crash.
  • Riding tired affects reaction times and impairs judgement. Take a break or don’t get on the bike if you’re tired.
  • Ride to be seen and don’t assume you’re visible to everyone.
  • Lane filtering is legal, remember to be safe and follow the road rules.
  • Look after yourself and your bike. The right gear and regular maintenance can save your life.

Online ‘Join the Drive’ resources: 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Missing rider’s son fears accident

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Paul Mulder, son of missing rider Siemon, says he and his father (pictured above) often went on rides and he was a competent rider, but he fears he may have had an accident.

The search for Siemon is now in its fifth day after he went missing on Monday (19 August 2019).

The 66-year-old Sandgate rider set out for a “joy ride” at 9am on Monday on his blue Triumph Sprint ST registration 769DW.

He said he was heading to Esk and was due back at noon but never returned.

Fears for dad

Siemon Mulder

“I often ride with dad,” Paul says.

“He’s an incredibly competent rider. He’s been riding since he was 15 and he knows all the roads in the area and wouldn’t to do anything stupid.

“Dad doesn’t have any real health issues; nothing to do with that.

“He could have slipped or come around a corner and hit some gravel. There’s not much you can do. Some of those corners you are not going to have much luck with no barriers there.

“He could have even stopped at the side of the road to have a pee and slipped. With a full tank of fuel, once it goes you would be hard pressed to stop that bike.”

Areas to search

Paul supplied this possible route (photo below) and asked riders to also search the Boonah Beaudesert Road near the Wyaralong Dam.

Missing
Click here for the Google Map

“I’m pretty confident as we have been down that road before,” he says.

Although Paul has today been concentrating on the area around Esk after an unconfirmed report of a sighting at the Enigma Cafe.

“What we really need is to find a sighting at a fuel station or someone’s dashcam to give Police and us an idea of where to concentrate the search.

“At the moment it’s a big area.”

Volunteers searching

Today’s search also involved volunteer riders, police and SES volunteers.

“We have been on the Esk-Kilcoy Road and flew drones over Somerset Dam, Mt Glorious and Mt Nebo.”

Over the past couple of days, they have also had Police helicopter and private helicopter searches paid for through a Gofundme campaign.

“At the moment we’re all clutching at straws with what has happened,” Paul says.

“We think it’s some sort of accident.

“We’re not sure why he didn’t have his phone on. The big thing is he liked having that freedom on the bike. He might not have turned it off on purpose but just forgot to charge it.”fears Siemon Mulder

Riders have been asked by the family to scour the region this weekend while they are out and about.

Other areas suggested by readers for the search are forestry areas closer to Brisbane, Wivenhoe Pocket, Samford and Eatons Hill.

Off-road riders have also been urged to become involved in the search in creeks and thick vegetation.

If Siemon has run off the road, riders should be searching for skid marks on the road or verge, broken glass and plastic on the road, bent-back bushes and the glint of shining objects in roadside bushes.

A co-ordinated volunteer search will run tomorrow from the BP at Blacksoil. Click here for more details.

Any clues or sightings should be phoned in to Policelink on 131 444.

You can also contact Motorbike Writer on 0400 366620 and we will post on social media to help narrow the search area.

Let’s find Siemon

Searching missing
Siemon Mulder

Siemon is about 180cm tall with a slim build, grey short hair and grey facial hair.

He was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, blue jeans and black helmet with a dark tinted visor.

Riders searching for Siemon should also take care if they are riding slowly not to hold up traffic, use their hazard lights and take care of their own safety.

It’s a good lesson for all solo riders to tell others where you are going, take your mobile phone, download locator apps or, if in remote areas with no mobile signal, pack an EPIRB, beacon or GPS tracker.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Desperate plea to find missing rider

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The family of missing rider Siemon Mulder has made a desperate plea to South East Queensland riders to spend this weekend searching for him.

Colin Francis, father of Luke who is set to marry Siemon’s daughter on August 31, says they are hoping SEQ riders can help “bring Siemon home”.

The 66-year-old Sandgate rider has been missing since Monday when he set out for a “joy ride” to Esk.

Siemon left Sandgate at 9am to ride his blue Triumph Sprint ST (pictured above) registration 769DW to Esk and was due back at noon but never returned.

However, Colin says he may have changed his mind or gone one of several different routes.

Siemon’s son, Paul, has supplied this possible route (photo below). He also suggested riders search the Boonah Beaudesert Road near the Wyaralong Dam.

Missing
Click here for the Google Map

Search for missing rider

Colin’s son and daughter-in-law-to-be work in Bristol, UK, and have flown home to help with the search.

Their British employer has also launched a Gofundme page to raise money for helicopter searches which were conducted today. They have so far raised $1650. Click here to donate.

However, Colin says riders are the key to finding Siemon.

“It might be just a glint in the bushes, but riders are better equipped to find him,” Colin says.

He has asked all riders in SEQ to scour the region this weekend while they are out and about.

If Siemon has run off the road, riders should be searching for skid marks on the road or verge, broken glass and plastic on the road, bent-back bushes and the glint of shining objects in roadside bushes.

Any clues or sightings should be phoned in to Policelink on 131 444.

You can also contact Motorbike Writer on 0400 366620 and we will post on social media to help narrow the search area.

Let’s find Siemon

Searching missing
Siemon Mulder

Siemon is about 180cm tall with a slim build, grey short hair and grey facial hair.

He was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, blue jeans and black helmet with a dark tinted visor.

Police say he was a cautious rider, but they are considering he may have had an accident.

Colin says Siemon did not have his mobile phone turned on and has not used his credit card since he left home.

Riders searching for Siemon should also take care if they are riding slowly not to hold up traffic, use their hazard lights and take care of their own safety.

It’s a good lesson for all solo riders to tell others where you are going, take your mobile phone, download locator apps or, if in remote areas with no mobile signal, pack an EPIRB, beacon or GPS tracker.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Riders searching for missing man

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South East Queensland riders have been out searching for a 66-year-old Sandgate rider who has been missing since Monday when he set out for a “joy ride” to Esk.

Siemon Mulder left Sandgate at 9am this morning to ride his blue Triumph Sprint ST registration 769DW (pictured) to Esk and planned to return home by noon. He has not been heard from since.

Police have confirmed this morning that he is still missing and have called for public help to locate him.

Riders have responded with dozens scouring the region’s popular motorcycle routes over the past couple of days.

Police helicopters have also searched the area by car and helicopter.

“Police and family hold concerns for his safety as this behaviour is out of character,” Police say.

Siemon is about 180cm tall with a slim build, grey short hair and grey facial hair.

Searching
Siemon Mulder

He was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, blue jeans and black helmet with a dark tinted visor.

Police say he was a cautious rider, but they are considering he may have had an accident.

They have checked his mobile phone which was last used in Sandgate and say he always uses cash when out on the road.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 44provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day. Quote this reference number: QP1901609506

Searching for clues

If Siemon has run off the road, riders should be searching for skid marks on the road or verge, broken glass and plastic on the road, bent-back bushes and the glint of shining objects in roadside bushes.

Riders searching for Siemon should also take care if they are riding slowly not to hold up traffic, use their hazard lights and take care of their own safety.

It’s a good lesson for all solo riders to tell others where you are going, take your mobile phone, download locator apps or, if in remote areas, pack an EPIRB, beacon or GPS tracker.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Two riders die in overnight crashes

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Police in NSW and Queensland are investigating two crashes in which riders died early last night (20 August 2019).

In one incident, police say a motorcycle was travelling eastbound along the Warrego Highway three kilometres from Minden about 6.30pm when the rider “has attempted to overtake two trucks and has lost control”.

“As a result, the motorcyclist has collided with one of the trucks and was pronounced deceased at the scene,” police say.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Rider dies in Tweed Heads crash

Just across the border, an 18-year-old male rider died when his moped collided wth a Holden Colorado about 6pm in the southbound lanes on Ducat Street.

The teenager was knocked off the moped and was struck by a northbound Toyota Prado.

He died at the scene.

Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District attended and established a crime scene.

The 42-year-old male driver of the Holden, and the 46-year-old female driver of the Toyota were uninjured.

They were taken to Tweed Heads Hospital for mandatory blood and urine tests.

The road was closed for about five hours while the scene was examined.

Inquiries continue and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

  • Our sincere condolences to the riders’ friends and families.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Do police traffic offence quotas exist?

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The issue of police being directed to meet traffic offence targets or quotas are back in the news in Queensland and South Australia.

The matter generally raises the ire of motorists who say it is proof that police are revenue raisers rather than performing road safety duties.

Critics also say it leads to motorists being fined for minor speeds and diverts police patrols from catching high-range speeders.

Controversial quotas

The quota controversy has been raised after two recent events:

  • In Queensland, emails that set quotas for traffic tickets have been revealed in court by a Gold Coast cop in evidence of bullying by senior officers. Queensland police have always denied the existence of quotas but have again admitted there are “benchmark” expectations or “targets” for officers on various offences.
  • In South Australia, a senior police officer sent an email to staff offering a gift card as an incentive to issue more speeding and traffic fines. SA Police were forced to retract the email and advise that the incentive went against official policy.

Motorists may not be convinced, especially after examples of what they consider blatant revenue-raising such as our recent article about the use of covert TruCAMs on a downhill stretch of Mt Glorious Rd to nab as many speeding riders as possible.

Quota history

Offence quotas (or “benchmarks”, or “targets”) for police are not new.

In the 1970s and ‘80s, the Queensland Bjelke-Petersen government blatantly referred to them as “kill sheets” for traffic and criminal offences.

Officers were required to reach certain targets to gain promotion or face punitive measures such as a long run of “graveyard shifts”.

Rather than promoting road safety and a crackdown on crime, it led to massive police corruption, culminating in the Fitzgerald Inquiry and subsequent jailing of senior cops and politicians.

Quotas exist in various countries at varying levels of legality around the world.

For example, the UK Government ran a two-year pilot project with the Thames Valley force allowing police to claim back a proportion of speeding fines to pay for road safety projects.

Quotas are largely outlawed in democratic countries as unconstitutional.

Yet the practice often continues in a non-official capacity to evaluate the productivity of “slack and lazy officers”, as one former senior cop told us.

  • Are “targets, benchmarks, incentives, kill sheets, or productivity evaluations” just quotas by another name? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com