Tag Archives: police

Motorcycle News, News

Rider fighting for life after vehicle changes lanes

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A Townsville rider is fighting for his life after being seriously injured in a crash last night when a vehicle changed lanes.

Police say the rider was travelling northbound on the Ring Road at Douglas about 7pm (10 June 2019) when a vehicle is believed to have changed lanes.

The rider was forced to take evasive action, lost control and was thrown from his motorcycle.

He was located by passing motorists unconscious on the road and taken to the Townsville Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene and spoke with police.

Forensic Crash Unit is continuing its investigation.

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.

Our sincere best wishes to the rider for a speedy recovery.

Lane-changing crashes

The lane-change crash is one of four common accidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles as shown in the above NSW Transport video.

It is often the combined result of a rider being in the driver’s blind spot and the driver failing to look before changing lanes.

We all know drivers don’t look for motorcyclists for a variety of reasons.

It can be haste, ignorance, arrogance and even the lack of fear for the consequences. After all, hitting a motorcycle is less damaging than hitting a truck or another car.

Detecting a vehicle that is about to change lanes can be difficult, especially at highway speeds as it only takes a small movement to make a car change lanes.

However, riders can take these steps to avoid such accidents:

  1. Spend as little time as possible riding in another vehicle’s blind spot;
  2. If you can see the driver’s eyes in their wing mirror, then they can (but not necessarily will) see you;
  3. Look for any movement in the driver’s head or hands as this could indicate they are about to change lanes;
  4. Be aware of slight changes in the vehicle’s lane position as it could mean they are leaving the lane;
  5. If you’re lucky, they will indicate first, so you have time to slow and take evasive action;
  6. When passing vehicles take a wide berth, look for an escape route and pass them promptly, even if it requires a bit of extra speed; and
  7. Check your own mirrors in case another vehicle is following you as that will affect your avoidance strategy.

You can also alert drivers to your presence by blowing your horn or flashing your lights.

However, these may be illegal in some jurisdictions and could give the false message that you are letting them merge into your lane.

Don’t trust loud pipes to save you. Most drivers have their windows up, air-conditioning on and the radio turned up loud, so they may not hear you, anyway.

Besides, your pipes are facing away from the driver.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Watch backhoe flatten motorcycle mufflers

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If you think the cops are tough on noisy aftermarket exhausts here, try India where they hammer them flat by the roadside, or confiscate them and flatten them with a backhoe.

Police in Bangalore take noisy exhausts off bikes and flatten them with a hammer by the roadside.If you think the cops are tough on noisy aftermarket exhausts here, try India where they hammer them flat by the roadside, or confiscated them and flatten them with a backhoe.

Now police in Danvangere near Bangalore are taking things to the extreme with a bunch of exhausts being flattened by a JCB backhoe.

It was a special presentation for the press to show they are serious about the crackdown on aftermarket mufflers.

Indian riders with noisy mufflers face a fine and warning to replace their exhaust.

However, if you are caught twice with a modified exhaust police may seize the motorcycle and destroy the muffler.

Flatten noise 

Police and local authorities around the world effectively flatten noisy motorcycles with various noise limits and punitive measures.

For example, in Australia, the stationary noise level for a motorbike built after February 1985 is 94dB, in India it’s 90dB and in Detroit Motor City exhausts are banned if they can be heard 50m away!

Yet, a 2017 World Health Organisation report found that the sound of car tyres on pavement is a bigger contributor to noise pollution.

Loud pipes save lives keyring - motorcycles EPA cars
Buy your “Loud pipes save lives” keyring now! 

Testing times 

Brisbane Barrister Levente Jurth argues that aftermarket exhausts are not illegal. Read his full argument here.

He says police and authorities do not have the expertise or objectivity to sustain a conviction for the alleged offence.

Meanwhile, longtime motorcycle advocate Wayne Carruthers says riders in regional areas have limited access to noise testing stations to find out if their pipe is legal.

We asked Queensland Police how riders who want to comply with noise regulations could confirm their bike’s noise output.

They replied that the motorcycle should have a label advising of the decibel level, that all new bikes complied and that “there are exhaust shops that have the required equipment to test the noise level of vehicles”. 

Call to challenge exhaust noise fines flatten
Police conduct roadside noise test

However, Wayne says the location of official noise-testing stations can be an expensive problem for rural riders.

“People in regional areas who have been issued a notice by police can have considerable time and expense wasted just in getting to a testing location to have the notice lifted,” he says.

“In NSW and Queensland, in particular, those in western regions can have 1000s of kilometres to travel with at times up to two days taken out of work simply to attend a testing station.

“This is not practical for many motorists not just motorcyclists and a clear example of the inequity of application of the state regulations.

“The testing for noise and emissions needs to be reconsidered by governments and authorities.”

He says it should be returned to authorised testers as per annual registration systems.

“The systems in place in the some states would surely be an embarrassment to the relevant Ministers and not sit well with regional voters,” he says.

Noise testing locationsnoise noisy exhaust pipes mufflers cars trial pink slips flatten

Queensland: This website (click here) does not refer to vehicle noise testing, while this website (click here) has a pdf re motorcycle noise but no information on location of testing stations.

NSW: The EPA website incorrectly states for motorcycles manufactured after 1 March 1984 is 94 decibels. Many motorcycles sold including BMW S1000RR 2015 have stickers indicating approval with 107dbA. 

There are only eight NSW test centres listed on this website and they are mostly based around the major centres of Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong with only Coffs Harbour and Wagga listed for regional areas.

Examples of the distances a motorist would need to travel in NSW are:

Broken Hill – 1500km round trip to Wagga Wagga

Bathurst – 280km round trip to Richmond

Dubbo – 660km round trip to Richmond

Coonabarabran – 1150km round trip to Wagga Wagga

Tamworth – 600km round trip to Coffs Harbour

Tenterfield – 600km round trip to Coffs Harbour

Victoria noise testing locations (click here).

Tasmania noise testing locations (click here).

South Australia: Noise Testing appears to be done by DPTI inspection stations.

Western Australia: Only six authorised private Noise Level Assessors are listed.

ACT and Northern Territory: Unknown

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Double demerit points endanger licence

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Riders are warned they could have their licence suspended in one hit under double demerit points which apply this weekend in NSW for the Queen’s Birthday (June 8-10, 2019).

It follows a hefty 14 demerit points and $1200 fine handed out to a Harley-Davidson rider over the Western Australia Day long weekend (June 1-3, 2019).

Traffic Enforcement Group officers tweeted the above photo of the fine after nabbing the rider at more than 120km/h in an 80km/h zone in Ravenswood.

Police noted on the fine that the rider told them: “She (his bike) was flooding and gurgling; just gave it a blat”.

His licence will be suspended for three months.

Double points danger

Double demerits apply in certain holidays in NSW, the ACT and WA.

Riders from Victoria, Tasmania, Northern Territory and South Australia passing through NSW, ACT or WA during a declared holiday period do not cop the double demerits.

Police cops speed speeding sensation annual demerit

However, Queensland riders should note that in certain circumstances they do apply.

The law in Queensland is that double points do apply to speeding offences of 21km/h or greater over the speed limit and seatbelt offences if they occur more than once within a 12 month period.

Lawyer Stephen Hayles of Macrossan and Amiet Solicitors says he has been asked by clients about the system after copping a fine in an applicable state.

“For example if you commit two speeding offences of driving 21km/h over the speed limit in a 12 month period, you will be allocated four demerit points for the first offence and four demerit points for the second offence plus an additional four demerit points,” he says.

“This means that you will have accumulated 12 demerit points within a 12 month period and you risk having your licence suspended.”

How demerit points are recorded

NSW police blitz demerit

Double points apply in NSW and ACT over the Australia Day weekend, Easter, Anzac Day, Queen’s Birthday, Labour Day and Christmas/New Year (from December 21 2018).

In WA, the double points apply on Australia Day (unless it falls on a week day), Labour Day, Easter, Anzac Day (unless it falls on a week day), Western Australia Day, Queen’s Birthday, and Christmas/New Year.

If a rider in another state commits a traffic offence in a state during a double-demerit period, the offence is recorded as a double demerit offence on their traffic history in the state where the offence happened.

The state licensing authority will then report the offence to the transport department in your state who will record the offence on your traffic history.

However, the double points will only apply in Queensland under the circumstances described above.

Choice of penalty

Stephen says that if you have committed a traffic offence recently and you receive a Queensland Transport notice that you have accumulated your allowed demerits, you will have a choice of a good driving behaviour period or a licence suspension for a period.

“When considering whether to agree to a good behaviour driving behaviour period and a licence suspension, it is important that a licence holder understands that accepting a suspension of their licence may preclude them from making an Application for a Special Hardship Order or an Application for a Restricted (Work) Licence for the next five years,” he warns.

If you are unsure about how many demerit points you have, you can search your record online at your state’s transport department website or call them and request a copy of your traffic history.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Rider road rage doesn’t pay

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We all get annoyed and frustrated by drivers doing the wrong thing, but it doesn’t pay to loose your cool like this Malaysian rider did.

Danial Abdullah Tan, 31, says the female driver of the car tailgated him, blew her horn and almost crashed into him twice before overtaking him.

So he passed the driver, hopped off his scooter and smashed her windscreen with his helmet.

Driver Perodua Alza says the riders were chatting and holding her up.

She posted her dashcam video on Twitter where it went viral and helped police catch the road-raging rider.

He pleaded guilty and will now spend 12 months in jail.

Not only was that a hefty punishment, but he will no doubt need to pay for a new helmet when he gets out!

Road rage doesn’t pay
Road rager led away from court (Image: YouTube)

Road rage doesn’t pay

We have said before that road rage by riders against cars and trucks is a no-win situation.

They are bigger than us and it can end in tragedy.

Most riders have experienced aggressive, inconsiderate, rude, uneducated, distracted, dangerous and plain incompetent drivers on the road.

But we should do all that we can to avoid being lured into road rage as it usually does not pay.

Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Ian Park who created the #ridesafely4me Facebook site says he’s not sure if it’s perception or reality, but “our roads appear to be becoming angrier places”.

“Unfortunately, it seems to involve individuals from all road user groups as both the victims and the perpetrators.

“Motorcyclists and bicyclists are of course the most vulnerable due to the lack of physical protection around them. But the fundamentals of personal safety of the roads are no different to anywhere else,” he says.

Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Ian Park a social media sensation reason
Ian Park with riders

IAN’S TIPS TO AVOID ROAD RAGE

If you find yourself feeling unsafe as a result of the actions of another road user, the first priority is to remove yourself from the situation as safely as possible. Unfortunately far too often incidents of poor behaviour by one road user to another are only exacerbated when the ‘victim’ retaliates. If another party chooses to yell at you, beep their horn or flash their lights – so what? Let them get it out of their system and get on their way. Inflaming the situation by ‘biting back’ rarely assists, and often only makes the situation more unsafe for everyone.

However if the other party continues to behave in a manner that makes you feel unsafe, then consider your environment. Perhaps pull into a service station, licensed premises or shopping centre that is likely to be fitted with external CCTV. This will often discourage the aggressor from taking the matter further if they know their actions (and registration details) are going to be recorded.

If no such place is available continue to drive without reacting to the aggressor until a place of safety is available, avoid making eye contact and attempt to disengage from the situation as best and safely as you can.

If you feel that you are in imminent danger, pull over and call triple zero (000). Don’t forget that ‘000’ from a mobile phone doesn’t necessarily go to your nearest operator, so always be ready to say ‘I need police in (name of City/town or nearest regional centre)’.

When speaking with a 000 operator, pass on relevant information that could assist police to investigate the matter, for example, registration details, descriptions of the person/s in the vehicle, time, date, correct location (in case there are traffic monitoring cameras located nearby etc.), descriptions about any features of the vehicle that are not standard (i.e. post factory fitted wheels, decorations, accessories, damage).

Emergency first-aid apps reason

If you carry any kind of video recording device, ensure the footage is set aside so that it doesn’t get recorded over before being provided to police. Make sure you don’t just secure the footage of the incident – also keep footage leading up to and beyond the incident to help clarify any potential counter claims by the other party that it was actually you that was the aggressor.

If the situation is over, but you are still of the belief that the matter warrants investigation with a view to action by police, you always have the right to report it. You can either attend your nearest open police station to speak to someone, contact the non-urgent police reporting number which is now 131 444 in almost all Australian Police Jurisdictions. Similarly most policing services across Australia also provide on-line reporting services. Just search the police service in your State or Territory to find their websites and follow the prompts.

Be mindful, however that any complaint of an incident involving one person upon another without any supporting evidence is often difficult to successfully prosecute. A successful prosecution requires sufficient evidence being presented to a court to determine that an offence was committed beyond reasonable doubt.

However, this should not prevent you from reporting the matter, but is something to keep in mind if police determine there is not sufficient evidence for a matter to proceed. It doesn’t necessarily mean police don’t believe you! If you provide police with a video recording you must be willing and able to give evidence.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Show of concern for rider safety

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Riders have been called to show their support and concern for their safety tomorrow ahead of a major Victorian Road Trauma Summit next Friday (31 May 2019).

Melbourne riders are asked to gather outside the ABC studios at 120 Southbank Boulevard tomorrow from 9-10.30am during a radio forum on safety that previews the government’s summit.

They are also urged to contact the talkback number (1300 222 774 or SMS 0437 774 774 rates apply) to voice their concerns about rider safety.

The ABC’s Jon Faine will host a panel on Radio 774 discussing the road toll and what can be done.

The panel includes the Traffic Accident Commission, VicRoads, Monash University Accident Research Centre and Police.

You can listen in here.

Victorian lives lostWhat to do if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident crash

So far this year, 26 motorcyclists have died on Victorian roads which is nine above the five-year average of 17 and 10 more than last year. Many more have been injured and there haas been a spate of hit-and-run accidents leaving riders dead or injured.

The state government’s summit on Friday will include experts from the TAC, VicRoads, VicPol, MUARC, RACV, Road Trauma Support Services Victoria and cycling and motorcycle advocates including the Victorian Motorcycle Council and the Motorcycle Expert Advisory Panel.

It will be hosted by Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville.

Community roundtables will also be held across regional Victoria where road deaths have spiked at 72 compared with 41 in metropolitan Melbourne.

The summit will build on the $1.4 billion Towards Zero road safety strategy, Jaala says.

Riders respond

Victorian Motorcycle Council spokesman John Eacott says there is an urgent need for an independent agency to gather and collate statistics.

Other issues include:

  • A proper campaign to educate all road users about filtering, both for safety and for congestion relief;
  • Urgent implementation of an advanced and/or refresher training programme for all riders with a government subsidy;
  • Completely stop any reference to ‘returning riders’ in any way, shape or form when discussing stats as there are no statistics available to identify any such subset; and
  • Funding for rural road upkeep – primary safety to prevent accidents instead of secondary safety spending to mitigate accident severity.

“The shock horror use of year-to-date fatalities instead of rolling 12-month or five-year averages is a constant irritation,” he says.

The Motorcycle Riders Association of Victoria believes the spike in the Victorian road toll has three main contributing factors:

  1. Inadequate crash data leading to bad policies and countermeasures;
  2. Neglected roads left in dangerous condition by VicRoads; and
  3. Incompetence in road management.

Spokesman Damien Codognotto says road authorities tend to blame the victims “rather than investigate and fix their own shortcomings”.

“The 2019 crash spike is not a spike in bad road user behaviour, it’s a failure in road safety policy and road management,” he says.

“Road authorities may divert attention from shortcomings in their systems with expensive media campaigns and/or road safety summits.”

The MRA is calling an independent office of road safety data, abolition of the motorcycle safety levy and a stop to the rollout of wire rope barriers with the funds saved used to repair neglected country roads.

“You can’t develop reliable road safety policies without reliable crash data collected in Australian conditions,” he says.

“Solving data problems is critical to motorcycle safety but the Victorian organisations dealing with our data do not want the public to think their systems are less than perfect.”

Lives lost to midnight 23 May 2019, Victoria

2018 Lives lost 2019 Lives lost
85 131 (up 54.1%)
Fatalities (equivalent periods)
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 5 year
average
99 104 113 100 85 100
Gender
Gender 2018 2019 Change % change 5 year
average
Female 26 33 7 27% 27
Male 59 98 39 66% 73
Unknown 0 0 0 0% 0
Road user
Road user 2018 2019 Change % change 5 year
average
Bicyclist 1 5 4 400% 4
Driver 39 60 21 54% 46
* *“>26 *“>62% Passenger 15 22 7 47% 18
Pedestrian 14 18 4 29% 15
Unknown 0 0 0 0% 0
Location
Location 2018 2019 Change % change 5 year
average
Melbourne 41 49 8 20% 47
Rural vic 44 82 38 86% 53
Unknown 0 0 0 0% 0
Age Group
Age Group 2018 2019 Change % change 5 year
average
0 to 4 0 1 1 100% 1
5 to 15 2 4 2 100% 2
16 to 17 0 3 3 300% 2
18 to 20 6 10 4 67% 8
21 to 25 5 8 3 60% 10
26 to 29 3 9 6 200% 9
30 to 39 15 14 -1 -7% 13
40 to 49 8 15 7 88% 13
50 to 59 16 22 6 38% 12
60 to 69 14 16 2 14% 12
70 and over 16 29 13 81% 17
Unknown 0 0 0 0% 0
Level of urbanisation
Level of urbanisation 2018 2019 Change % change 5 year
average
Provincial cities/towns 10 10 0 0% 8
Rural roads 45 83 38 84% 56
Small towns/hamlets 2 3 1 50% 1
** **“>35 **“>25% Unknown 0 0 0 0% 0
* includes pillion riders
** Melbourne Statistical Division includes some rural roads
Note: Fatality data is compiled by the TAC from police reports supplied by Victoria Police. Fatality data is revised each day, with the exception of weekends and public holidays. Data is subject to revision as additional information about known accidents is received, and as new accident reports are received and processed.
5 year average rounded to nearest whole number

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Third Queensland rider dies in past week

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A third Queensland rider has died in the past week after a 32-year-old man hit a tree on his motorcycle at 1.30am today in Forest Lake.

Police Forensic Crash Unit investigations say he was travelling west on Johnson Road when he “failed to negotiate a left-hand bend, left road and collided with a tree”.

“The rider was thrown from the motorcycle and pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Investigations are continuing.

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 deaths

So far this year 16 riders and pillions have died on Queensland roads which is one more than last year and about 50% down on the three previous years.RIP fallen riders crash lone

Last Saturday (18 May 2019), moped rider Umberto Williams, 32, of East Brisbane, died in a crash in Windsor, north Brisbane.

Police allege the BMW SUV was travelling northbound on Lutwyche Rd when it collided with the moped also heading north.

The BMW then veered into the southbound lanes and collided with a Subaru sedan driven by a 23-year-old Acacia Ridge man before also colliding with a Jeep.

Umberto and the Subaru driver died at the scene.

A 37-year-old Burpengary man has been charged with two counts of manslaughter and one of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm (excessive speed and fail to remain scene).

Yesterday, a 43-year-old rider passed away in hospital after being involved in a collision with a ute at a Kingaroy intersection on Thursday.

Police Forensic Crash Unit investigations indicate that the rider was heading east on Haly St about 1.50pm when his bike collided with the passenger side of a Ford utility turning from Glendon St.

The rider was thrown from the motorcycle on to the road.

A staff member of the Commercial Hotel on the corner says the ambulance “worked on the rider for some time”.

He was taken to Kingaroy Hospital before being airlifted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital where he passed away last night.

“There was damage to the passenger side door,” the hotel staffer says.

The ute’s driver, a 62-year-old man, was not injured in the crash.

Kingaroy Police say “no charges have been laid at this time”.

Riders dies after intersection collision
Haly St and Glendon St in Kingaroy

The crash occurred in a 50km/h area and Kingaroy Police say “speed may have been a contributing factor” but would not say which vehicle was speeding.

Police have not yet released the names of the rider or driver.

The Commercial Hotel worker says the rider and 62-year-old man driving the ute were both locals, but she did not know their names.

Investigations are continuing.

Our sincere condolences to the riders’ families and friends.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Riders dies after intersection collision

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A 43-year-old rider has passed away in hospital overnight after being involved in a collision with a ute at a Kingaroy intersection yesterday (23 May 2019).

Police Forensic Crash Unit investigations indicate that the rider was heading east on Haly St about 1.50pm when his bike collided with the passenger side of a Ford utility turning from Glendon St.

Riders dies after intersection collision
The rider was heading along Haly St and the ute came from Glendon St on the right (All images from Google Maps)

The rider was thrown from the motorcycle on to the road.

A staff member of the Commercial Hotel on the corner says the ambulance “worked on the rider for some time”.

He was taken to Kingaroy Hospital before being airlifted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital where he passed away last night.

“There was damage to the passenger side door,” the hotel staffer says.

The ute’s driver, a 62-year-old man, was not injured in the crash.

Kingaroy Police say “no charges have been laid at this time”.

Riders dies after intersection collision
Haly St and Glendon St in Kingaroy

The crash occurred in a 50km/h area and Kingaroy Police say “speed may have been a contributing factor” but would not say which vehicle was speeding.

Police have not yet released the names of the rider or driver.

The Commercial Hotel worker says the rider and 62-year-old man driving the ute were both locals, but she did not know their names.

Investigations are continuing.

Our sincere condolences to the rider’s family and friends.

So far this year 15 riders and pillions have died on Queensland roads. That is the same number as last year and about 50% down on the three previous years.

Intersection crashes

Two out of every three accidents (66.7%) occur at intersections, according to the 2017 US Motorcycle Crash Causation Study.

Most accidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles occur when the other vehicle is turning across their path.

The result can be lethal as the rider hits the car in a t-bone fashion, rather than a glancing blow.

Check our tips for avoiding these types of crashes.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Four alleged stolen motorcycles recovered

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Four stolen motorcycles have been recovered and 118 people charged on 342 offences following a four-day police operation in Logan, south of Brisbane.

This follows similar police operations in Victorian and NSW last month where police seized 11 stolen motorbikes under investigations into motor vehicle theft and rebirthing.

In Queensland, Operation Romeo-Velodrome ran over two weekends (May 10-11 and May 15-16) and involved officers from Logan District Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), Logan Tactical Crime Squad, General Duties police, Dog Squad, State Crime Command, Road Policing Unit, Forensic Services Branch, PolAir and Gold Coast Rapid Action Patrols (RAP).

The aim of the operation was to target drug-related crime specifically linked to methamphetamines.

During the operation police seized large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, morphine, prescription drugs, cannabis, six firearms including shotguns and a handgun, in excess of 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition and $10,000 in cash.

Police also recovered four stolen motorcycles, two cars, a trailer, four camper trailers, a caravan, ride on lawnmower, air conditioning units, iPads, tablets, mobile phones and jewellery.

If you believe any of this property is yours, contact Policelink or phone 131 444.

Stolen AJS

Stolen 1959 AJS 7R 350 stolen motorcycles
Stolen 1959 AJS 7R 350

Have you seen this valuable and unique-looking black 1959 AJS 7R 350 motorcycle with a white fairing?

It was stolen from a house on Wangandary Rd, Wangaratta, some time between April 13 and May 10.

Wangaratta Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for help to locate the distinctive motorbike.

Post-war AJS 7R 350cc single-cylinder motorcycles are valuable, fetching as much as $46,000-$54,000.

Police released the above images of the motorcycle in the hope someone may recognise it and be able to provide information on its whereabouts.

Anyone who has information or who may have seen the motorbike is urged to contact Wangaratta CIU on 5723 0888 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Stolen motorcycles rampant

Motorcycle theft is running rampant throughout Australia, according to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.

Thefts increased by 597 (7.3%) last year to a total of 8746 with a recovery rate of just 47%.

Last month, Victorian and NSW police seized 11 stolen motorbikes under investigations into motor vehicle theft and rebirthing.

Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hrambanis says the biggest rises in stolen motorcycles was in NSW and Queensland.

“In most cases vehicle theft is almost always opportunistic, with the vehicle being stolen for short-term use and later recovered (78% in Queensland),” Caitlin says.

The Council is shortly expected to release a review of the amended NSW Crimes Act which introduced a new offence of knowingly facilitating a rebirthing activity carried out on an organised basis.

It was designed to deter thieves by applying tougher penalties to any and all members in a theft network involved in stealing your motorcycle or car with tougher penalties.

While it seemed a good idea at the time, the figures seem to show it is not working.

We will have a report on the review in coming weeks.

Theft by state

State or Territory 2017 2018 % change
Thefts
% of thefts 
 Thefts
% of thefts 
ACT 126 107 -15.1% 
NSW 1679 1968 17.2% 
NT 126 82 -34.9% 
QLD 1510 1696 12.3% 
SA 521 555 6.5% 
TAS 122 141 15.6% 
VIC 2013 2092 3.9% 
WA 2052 2105 2.6% 
AUS 8149 100.0 8746 100.0 7.3% 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Rider aged 70 passes away after crash

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A 70-year-old Brisbane man has passed away in Royal Brisbane Hospital over night after falling off his motorcycle yesterday afternoon.

Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit officers say the rider was heading north on Canvey Road, Upper Kedron, about 1.15pm (16 May 2019) when he “lost control of the motorbike”.

He was transported to the Royal Brisbane Hospital where he passed away over night.

Our sincere condolences to the man’s family and friends.

Police say investigations into the incident are continuing and have called for information or dash cam video.

If you have information, 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.

Quote this reference number: QP1900869929

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

280km/h Kawasaki rider still on the run

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A rider who evaded Northern Territory Police and sped away at up to 280km/h on a Kawasaki ZX-10R is still on the run.

NT Police say a motorcycle cop tried to intercept the rider when he noticed the false “XPLOD” plate on the back of the black-and-green Kwaka on about 9am on Monday (13 May 2019) on the Stuart Highway near Palmerston.

The rider initially slowed, but then sped up to 280km/h through the Temple Terrace intersection.

drive so others survive.”

Police did not give chase and the rider remains unidentified.

The rider was last seen wearing a lime green coloured shirt, black shorts and a green and black helmet with a gold iridium visor.

If you have information which may identify the rider you can contact police on 131444 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers or call 1800 333 000.

Hooning charges

The rider faces speeding and hooning charges.

If it’s their first offence, their bike would be impounded for 48 hours and cop a $220 fine and three demerit points. 

Fines escalate and the rider could face jail time if it’s their second offence within a two-year period. Their bike could also be impounded for three to six months.

For a third hooning offence, the court can forfeit and dispose of the bike and the rider could face even tougher fines and jail.

If the bike is stolen, it will be returned to the owner.

It is unlikely a person will be sold a vehicle subject to a current impound or forfeiture order.

Police pursuitsCops Police motorcycles witnesses emergency fatal witnesses police pursuit unlicensed 280km

A leading police study has found the three most pressing issues for police reform around the world are use of force, policing of violence in families and high-speed pursuits.

A 2009 Australian Institute of Criminology study found deaths in custody at police stations are declining but “deaths in custody” as a result of high-speed pursuits were rising.

While less than 1% of police pursuits results in a fatal crash, 38% of the people killed are innocent bystanders.

It’s much worse in the USA where one person dies every day as a result of a police pursuit. Of those deaths, 1% are police, 55% suspects and 44% bystanders.

Most police procedures acknowledge the judgement of the officer at the scene to begin a pursuit.

However, continuation of the pursuit is then deferred to a senior officer at the station or headquarters.

They have to make a quick judgement based on the lethal risk to the community of the chase versus the lethal risk to the community of letting a serious offender escape.

This must be backed by information, not just mere suspicion.

Queensland police figures show only about 3% of pursuits involved imminent threat to life or a suspect escaping after a homicide.

Police have a duty to not only prevent and control crime, but more importantly, they have a duty to protect the community and that includes from their own reckless behaviour and judgement.

Click her to read about a police and media pursuit that encouraged a motorcycle rider to perform stunts for the cameras.

Police pursuit pursuits
TV chopper captures pursued rider performing stunts

Restrictive practices

Despite criticism from police unions, most pursuit policies around the world, including the USA, are becoming more restrictive.

In many jurisdictions, pursuits are only allowed if there is a serious risk to public safety or in relation to a major crime involving death or injury.

However, there is an issue about making these pursuit policies public. Some say they should be public to show transparency while others believe it would give criminals clues on how to evade police.

Those who support pursuits point out that the number of people evading police is rising as a result of more restrictive pursuit policies, despite higher penalties for evading police.

Making the issue more complex is the degree of the pursuit.

Should there be an upper speed limit for police? Should police be allowed to break other road rules in the pursuit?

There have been incidences of police driving at more than 200km/h in a pursuit and on the road side of a major highway.

Another issue is whether police should be criminally culpable in the instance of a death resulting from a pursuit.

To a degree, technologies such as CTV and number plate recognition cameras, negate the need for pursuits, anyway.

* What do you think about police pursuits? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com