Tag Archives: police

Motorcycle News, News

Pandemic leads to speed epidemic

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Traffic offences are understandably down as there are fewer vehicles on the road, but the lockdown is also creating lonely roads where motorists are hitting some ridiculous speeds.

We have seen several reports of high-speed police pursuits around there world, but the highest speed was clocked by a Nebraska motorcyclist at 170mph (273km/h).

The rider tried to exit an interstate but lost control of his Honda motorcycle and slid down an embankment. The state trooper dragged him out of a pool of leaked fuel and slapped him with a fine for suspicion of wilful reckless driving and flight to avoid arrest, among other offences.

Aussie hi-jinks

Some riders in Australia are also taking advantage of the lonely roads, often with late-night and early morning high-speed runs. 

Two 20-something motorcyclists riding at speeds up to 200km/h have been charged following two separate pursuits with NSW Police in Sydney’s south west in recent days.

NSW Police say that during the lockdown there has been a 40% increase in high-range speeding offences over 30km/h and 45km/h compared with the same period last year.

Queensland Police gave us three examples of high-speed riders who recently copped high-range speeding offences costing $1245 and eight demerit points:

  • On April 1 around 4.14pm a 31-year-old man riding a Harley Davidson was allegedly detected travelling 194km/h in 100 zone on Logan Motorway at Larapinta;
  • On April 2 around 10am a 37-year-old man on a Yahmaha motorcycle was allegedly detected travelling 126km/h in a 60 zone on to Logan Motorway onramp at Drewvale; and
  • On April 6 around 10.30am a 61-year-old man on a Honda was detected travelling 102km/h in a 60 zone on Tamborine Oxenford Road at Wongawallen.

Test of restraint

restrictionsGoogle Maps shows how far Ipswich riders can go.

This weekend, Queensland will allow riders to travel 50km from their home for recreation.

It is among several relaxation measures that will be used as a test to see if the public can exercise some restraint and control.

Authorities say they will penalise flagrant abuses.

They may also penalise the rest of the community by tightening restrictions again if too many people flout the rules as we saw last week when Sydney opened beaches only to close them again after they became overcrowded.

Meanwhile, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says riding a motorcycle is exercise and therefore legal.

She says NSW Police have not booked anybody for riding a motorbike, “because that is akin to riding an exercise bike”.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Riders charged after two police pursuits

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Two motorcyclists riding at speeds up to 200km/h have been charged following two separate pursuits with NSW Police in Sydney’s south west.

This is the type of stupid behaviour that brings all riders into disrepute.

It may also delay an easing of pandemic travel restrictions as Queensland plans to do from next Saturday.

Here is the NSW Police media release about these two pursuits:

Officers from Bankstown Traffic and Highway Patrol – with the assistance of South West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad (RES), the Dog Unit, and PolAir – conducted Operation Bluey on Friday (24 April 2020) and Saturday (25 April 2020), targeting high performance motorcycles engaged in dangerous riding practices and pursuits with police.

Pursuit 1

About 8.20pm on Friday (24 April 2020), officers were stopped on Rawson Road, Greenacre, when they saw a BMW s1000 RR travelling on Rawson Road before crossing to the incorrect side of the road and turning right into Waterloo Road, disobeying a red traffic light.

BMW S 1000 RR less flab deliveryBMW S 1000 RR

A pursuit was not initiated and despite patrols, the motorcycle could not be located.

A short time later, the motorcycle was seen travelling on Juno Parade before allegedly speeding away at no less than 100km/h before crossing to the incorrect side of the road and turning left into Nobel Avenue.

Further police allegedly sighted the motorcycle turn left into Mimosa Road and allegedly speed away at no less than 120km/h in a signposted 50km/h zone.

With the assistance of PolAir, the motorcycle was monitored as it travelled to a home on Wangee Road, where it was ridden through the front door and parked in the lounge room.

Shortly after, officers entered the home and the rider, a 24-year-old man, was arrested.

He was charged with motor vehicle exceed speed more than 45km/h – estimated, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, and vehicle number plate not correctly fixed.

The man is due to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday 29 July 2020.

Pursuit 2

2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R at Moto Expo2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R at Moto ExpoGSX-R1000

About 11pm yesterday (25 April 2020), officers patrolling King Georges Road, Wiley Park, saw a Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycle, carrying a pillion passenger. The rear number plate was obscured.

With the assistance of PolAir, the motorcycle was monitored. Officers attempted to stop it nearby on Canterbury Road; however, it failed to stop and allegedly sped away at 160km/h in a signposted 60km/h zone.

A pursuit was initiated before being terminated shortly after due to safety concerns.

The motorcycle was again seen travelling on King Georges Road, riding only on its back wheel before allegedly speeding away at least 200km/h.

PolAir continued to monitor the motorcycle as it travelled to Greenacre, where the pillion passenger got off.

Shortly after, officers attended a nearby home and located the rider, who was the holder of a P1 licence and disqualified from driving until 2032.

The 23-year-old man was arrested and taken to Bankstown Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, drive during disqualification period, and vehicle number plate obscured.

He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Sunday 26 April 2020).

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Riding restrictions eased in Queensland

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Queensland is the first state to relax harsh travel restrictions and will allow riders back on their motorcycles for a ride up to 50km from home.

Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk has announced the new rules from next Saturday (2 May 2020).

Adventure riders will also be allowed to ride through some national parks so long as they are within 50km of home.

For most Brisbane riders, that would mean they would get half way up Mt Glorious before having to turn back.

Gold Coast riders would get to Canungra for a coffee before turning around and Sunshine Coast riders would be able to explore the Blackall Ranges.

Of course, you still can’t cross the border and come back without a special permit and 14 days of isolation!

For a rough guide to a 50km radius from your house, click here.

restrictionsGoogle Maps shows how far Brisbane riders can go.

Policing restrictions

It is unknown if Queensland Police will strictly patrol the 50km rule.

This Queensland intra-departmental email from Assistant Commissioner Peter Crawford has been circulating since last Tuesday.

It advises officers not to fine errant riders, but practise “compassion”.

Virus

Queensland Police tis afternoon issued this statement:

Motorcyclists are permitted to travel up to 50km from their principal place of residence with a member of their household or an individual and one friend, except when permitted circumstances exist. The QPS thanks the community for their cooperation, police will continue to educate and show compassion when engaging with members of the public during these unprecedented times as we all work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

You can probably expect police to have a heavy presence on popular motorcycle routes next weekend.

Flagrant breaches

State Disaster Co-ordinator Steve Gollschewski says police will “assist people to understand the new rules but will still enforce flagrant breaches”.

“Police will be understanding but this isn’t an invitation for people to undo everyone’s hard work,” he says.

We saw Sydney beaches opened up last week only to be quickly closed again when they became crowded.

Riders are advised that social distancing still applies which means no congregating at stops.

We will also have to ride solo, with one other rider or with several members of the same household.

“We will closely watch the numbers of new infections and review the measures after two weeks,” the Premier says.

Steve Spalding RACQ voidSteve Spalding

RACQ safety officer and Triumph Bonneville rider Steve Spalding has welcomed the move.

“It’s a good start,” says Steve who is hoping to get away for a three-day ride in June if restrictions are further eased.

“At least it will give riders the opportunity to get some fresh air and ride for enjoyment.”

Further loosening of travel restrictions will be subject to flattening the curve and that may only happen if motorists obey these eased restrictions.

There is no change yet in other states, but we will keep an eye on developments.

Easing of restrictions in NSW and Victoria may depend on how well Queensland goes.

In Tasmania you can visit a family member and in the ACT you can visit anyone so long as there are not more than two of you visiting at the one time.

ACT Police are not yet issuing COVID-19 infringement notices as they are prioritising public education over coercive sanctions.

In South Australia and Northern Territory there are no fines for leaving the house for non-essential reasons, however unnecessary socialisation is discouraged.

West Australian riders can ride within nine zones, but not cross from one to the other.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Witness sought for fatal motorcycle crash

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Queensland Police are seeking the driver of a silver or light blue sedan who may have witnessed a fatal motorcycle crash in Nathan Street, Brighton, Queensland, about 7.45pm on 18 April 2020.

The motorcycle hit a power pole and the 49-year-old male rider died at the scene of the crash .

His 36-year-old female pillion was transported to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

A silver or light blue sedan was seen travelling in the area and may have witnessed the crash.

Investigators do not believe the car was involved in the incident.

Police are appealing to the car’s driver, or anyone else who was in the area or may have dashcam footage, to come forward.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

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

Quote this reference number: QP2000785065 within the online suspicious activity form.

Our sincere condolences to the rider’s family and friends and our best wishes to his pillion for a full and speedy recovery.

Power poles and roadside hazardsRemove dangerous roadside hazards

This follows a death in Townsville the previous week where a rider hit roadside tree.

Roadside hazards such as trees, barriers and power poles are a particular danger for riders.

A 2017 United Nations report recommends roadside hazards be removed as they are a proven cause of serious motorcycle crash injuries and deaths.

The 108-page World Health Organisation “Powered two- and three-wheeler safety” report says a motorcycle crash with a fixed roadside hazard is 15 times more likely to be fatal than a crash on the ground with no physical contact with a fixed hazard.

They also increase the severity of injuries in such crashes, it says.

Another Australian and New Zealand study presented at the 2015 Australasian Road Safety Conference concluded that almost all roadside objects are hazardous to PTW users.

Click here to find out why we publish motorcycle crash reports.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Teenage rider injured in hit and run crash

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A teenage boy has suffered a serious leg injury after his Kawasaki trail bike was involved in a hit-and-run crash with a Toyota Camry in western Sydney yesterday.

NSW Police are now appealing for the public’s help to find the driver.

The crash happened about 7.20pm yesterday (20 April 2020) in Maud Street, Fairfield West.

Police have been told the 15-year-old teenage boy was riding a Kawasaki trail bike south along Maud Street and a gold Toyota Camry was travelling north when they collided at the intersection of Percy Street.

The driver stopped and spoke to a resident in Percy Street but then drove off.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and took the boy to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, where he remains in a serious but stable condition with a serious leg injury.

Officers from the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit are appealing for anyone with information about the vehicle which is described as an early 2000 model gold-coloured Toyota Camry sedan, or driver to contact the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Police are also appealing for anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage of the incident to come forward.

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 best wishes to the teenage boy for a full and speedy recovery.

Hit and run crashes

The driver faces a fine of up to $3300 and 18 months’ jail for leaving the scene of an accident involving an injury.

If the driver is proven to have “shown callous disregard for the needs of an injured person”, a jail sentence is mandatory.

It seems riders are particularly vulnerable to hit-run incidents.

We have tried to gather statistics before for the proportion of hit-run incidents that involve motorcyclists without success as relevant departments don’t keep those figures.

However, we suspect riders figure in a higher proportion of hit-runs than they represent as a percentage of traffic on the road.

Reasons for this could be: drivers are unaware they have hit a rider; they think they can get away with it because an injured rider can’t pursue them; or they simply don’t care.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Watch wild Brazil motorcycle cop chase

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A new video has emerged of motorcycle cop in a thrilling but highly dangerous motorcycle chase through the narrow streets and back alleys of Brazil.

The notorious police unit is called ROCAM which stands for Ronda Ostensiva com Apoio de Motocicletas in Portuguese and means “Ostensible Round with Motorcycle Support”.

The 7:36 minute video is a thrill a second, but like many similar ROCAM videos it has attracted a lot of negative comments about the dangers to the public of such police pursuits.

The video does not explain why police initiated the chase.

However, Brazil has high rates of violent crimes and is in the top 20 countries in the world for murder.

ROCAM is a group of select police deployed to fight drug and violent crime.

They work in groups of two and do specialised training every 15 days riding Yamaha and Honda motorcycles from 180cc up to the 647cc Honda Transalp.

The unit was formed in 1982 in Sao Paulo but there are now units all over Brazil.

Police pursuits

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 pursuitsTV 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 CCTV 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

Motorcycle News, News

Should COVID-19 fines link to income?

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Should the COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) or on-the-spot fines be linked to your income as speeding fines are in some countries?

After all, a motorcyclist on a $15,000 bike who goes for a leisure ride risks copping the same on-the-spot fine under the Health Act as a rich driver in an expensive supercar.

The issue surfaced today when NSW Police issued a $1000 PIN to the driver of a McLaren 650S worth about $440,000.

This is how Police Media reported the incident:

Just after midnight, officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command stopped a McLaren 650S travelling on Ward Avenue, Potts Point. The driver, a 43-year-old Fairfield man, told officers he was driving to Woolloomooloo to get petrol. After being warned, he informed officers driving is a form of exercise. The man and his 60-year-old passenger were each issued a $1000 PIN. The driver allegedly told police “do what you want mate, I don’t care. This $1000 fine won’t hurt with my $15 million.

Australia’s COVID-19 fines appear to be among the highest in the world, starting at $1000 in NSW.

In Italy, where more than 23,000 have died from coronavirus, the fine for disobeying a stay-at-home order is €200 (about $A340).

Consequently tens of thousands have copped fines.

That could be one of the reasons the spread is so rampant in Italy.

Linking these fines to income could be the answer.

Speeding fines linked to incomespeed camera radar speeding fines rich rich

Similarly, Australia’s speeding fines are among the highest in the world.

According to British website GoCompare, Australians rank sixth in the world with the highest fines and 10th in relation to their average wage.

Ours is supposed to be an egalitarian and fair society, but how can it be fair for a motorist on a low wage to pay the same fine as a millionaire?

The average Aussie speeding fine for 21km/h over the limit is $401. South Australia leads with $771 fine, followed by NSW ($472), Queensland ($435), Western Australia ($400), Victoria ($332) and Tasmania ($163).

Top 10 fines for speeding 20km/h+

  1. Norway $1028
  2. Iceland $750
  3. Estonia $626
  4. United Kingdom $595
  5. Sweden $412
  6. Australia $401
  7. Switzerland $362
  8. Israel $282
  9. Netherlands $278
  10. Canada $275

Rich cop higher fines cops speed speeding radar fast speed camera licence rich

Several countries, such as Britain, Finland and Switzerland, have a system where speeding fines are linked to their wages.

The UK has introduced a system where fines for excessive speeding have increased to 150% of their weekly income. It is capped at £1000 ($A1770), or £2500 ($A4435) if caught on a motorway.

After all, they argue that a rich pro footballer, celebrity or wealthy aristocrat would not be deterred by the average UK speeding fine of £188 ($A333).

Meanwhile, the UK has retained their minimum speeding fine of £100 ($A177) and motorists can chose to reduce that further by attending a speed awareness course.

Switzerland and Finland are much tougher on their rich speeders.

Finland uses a “day fine” system of half the offender’s daily disposable income with the percentage increasing according to their speed over the limit.

In 2002, former Nokia director Anssi Vanjoki copped a $A190,000 fine for riding his motorcycle 75km/h in a 50km/h zone.

But that’s not the world record speeding fine which was handed out in Switzerland in 2010 to a Swedish motorist caught driving at 290km/h.

He was fined 3600 Swiss francs per day for 300 days which worked out to almost $A1.5m.

Click here for our tips on riding in Europe.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Rider dies in crash with power pole

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A 49-year-old male rider has died after hitting a power pole in a Brisbane bayside suburb about 7.45pm yesterday (18 April 2020).

The rider was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash in Nathan Street, Brighton.

His 36-year-old female pillion was transported to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Forensic Crash investigators are appealing for any witnesses or anyone who may have dash cam vision to contact police.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

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

Quote this reference number: QP2000785065 within the online suspicious activity form.

Our sincere condolences to the rider’s family and friends and our best wishes to his pillion for a full and speedy recovery.

Power poles and roadside hazardsRemove dangerous roadside hazards

This follows a death in Townsville last week where a rider hit roadside tree.

Roadside hazards such as trees, barriers and power poles are a particular danger for riders.

A 2017 United Nations report recommends roadside hazards be removed as they are a proven cause of serious motorcycle crash injuries and deaths.

The 108-page World Health Organisation “Powered two- and three-wheeler safety” report says a motorcycle crash with a fixed roadside hazard is 15 times more likely to be fatal than a crash on the ground with no physical contact with a fixed hazard.

They also increase the severity of injuries in such crashes, it says.

Another Australian and New Zealand study presented at the 2015 Australasian Road Safety Conference concluded that almost all roadside objects are hazardous to PTW users.

Click here to find out why we publish motorcycle crash reports.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Witnesses sought for truck and bike crash

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Witnesses are being sought to a collision between a truck and motorcycle at East Ipswich on Thursday (16 April 2020) that left the female rider with serious head injuries.

Ipswich Police say that about 10.45am a white truck and a red motorcycle were travelling towards Ipswich on King Edward Parade, opposite Riverheart Parklands, when they collided.

The female rider, a 68-year-old North Ipswich woman, sustained a fractured skull, as well as internal bleeding and broken bones. She remains in hospital in a stable condition.

The truck driver, a 52-year-old man from New Beith, was not injured.witnesses

Investigators would like to speak to witnesses to the crash, or anyone who may have relevant dashcam footage.

Police say the occupants of two vehicles in the area at the time of the crash, may have witnessed the incident.

Officers wish to talk to the driver and passenger of a grey sedan or a white utility (similar to the one in the photo below) travelling behind the truck.witnesses

Anyone with information is urged to contact police (details below).

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

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

Quote this reference number: QP2000767350 within the online suspicious activity form.

We wish the rider a full and swift recovery from her injuries.

WA crash

WA Police are also seeking witnesses to a crash in which a 51-year-old motorcyclist died yesterday afternoon (Saturday 18 April 2020).

The accident happened about 1pm at the intersection of Kargotich and Rowley Roads, Oakford.

It is believed the Harley-Davidson rider was travelling north when collided with an oncoming Toyota Rav4.

He was rushed to Armadale Hospital for treatment where he died shortly after.

Investigators would like to speak to anyone who saw the crash, has dash camera footage of the crash, or had seen the motorcycle just prior to the crash.

The driver of the Rav4 was not injured.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 or make a report online at crimestopperswa.com.au.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Rider, 26, dies after hitting tree

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A 26-year-old male rider has died after hitting a tree just after midnight last night (17 April 2020) in Ainstree Avenue, Townsville.

Queensland Police say the man was taken to Townsville University Hospital in a critical condition but sadly died a short time later.

Forensic Crash investigators are appealing for any witnesses or anyone who may have dash cam vision to contact police.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

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

It follows a tragic 24 hours on NSW roads with a rider dying late Wednesday after hitting a truck in Port Macquarie and another hitting a police car after being spotted on the wrong side of the road with the lights off about 2.30am on Thursday at Tuggerah Lakes.

The latter incident will be investigated by an independent review and information provided to the Coroner.

Anyone with information about these NSW incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. 

Our sincere condolences to the riders’ families and friends.

Click here to find out why we report motorcycle crashes.

We sincerely hope the late-night riders were not getting their riding fix after frustration with the current travel restrictions.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com