Share and Follow
A video has emerged capturing the moment Ryan Billingham was unable to halt his e-bike as he careened into a sudden downpour. The incident, which has garnered significant attention, highlights the potential hazards of riding in adverse weather conditions.
“My brand new bike is a write-off,” Billingham lamented to 9News, expressing his frustration over the loss. Fortunately, despite the crash, Billingham escaped without any physical injuries.
Reflecting on the event, he remarked, “I feel very lucky, but it’s just a matter of time before someone else might not be as fortunate.” His words underscore the risks that come with riding, particularly in unpredictable weather.
This incident is not isolated. Several sports clubs at the Runaway Bay Sports Precinct have reported encounters with young e-bikers, indicating a growing concern over the safety and interactions between riders and other community members in the area.
It wasn’t an isolated incident, with multiple sports clubs having come into conflict with the young e-bikers at Runaway Bay Sports Precinct.
Theresa Theaker from the T-Rex Triathlon Club accused e-bike riders of smashing athletes’ glasses and pushing them off their bicycles.
Travis Harker from Runaway Bay Cricket Club said riders had also been known to interrupt ongoing matches.
While Madison Bland of the Gold Coast Cycling Club said the club had made the drastic decision to move all Runaway Bay training and race events to its Nerang facility.
“It’s not all of us that ruin it though,” one young e-bike rider told 9News.
“I think they should also make a track where we could just ride.”
The local council is planning to add a BMX track and junior criterium track as part of the Runaway Bay Sports Precinct Master Plan.
But in the meantime, authorities are taking action
“The city will be moving to restricting the access of e-devices in a trial that commences on the 2nd of March,” councillor Shelley Curtis said.
Police said a 15-year-old boy was being dealt with under the Youth Justice Act for the incident involving Billingham, while another boy is under investigation after video of the incident was posted online.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.