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Authorities were alerted after numerous calls reported a group of young e-bike riders crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Wednesday.
In total, around 40 individuals, with at least one not wearing a helmet, were seen riding across the iconic New South Wales landmark during the busy peak hour on Tuesday.
Current regulations prohibit riding any bicycles, including e-bikes, on the main deck of the bridge, as a designated cycleway is provided to ensure safety and order.
The NSW Police Department confirmed that officers responded to Hickson Road in Sydney at approximately 4:30 p.m., following several reports of a large group engaging in reckless riding.
Upon arrival, police discovered about 40 riders navigating the Harbour Bridge in a hazardous manner, though the group dispersed upon the arrival of law enforcement.
“Police could not initiate a pursuit due to safety concerns,” a spokesperson told 9news.com.au.
“About 5.30pm on the same day, police located the group at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair where they were spoken to and dispersed.”
There were no reported injuries or property damage, and inquiries are ongoing.
Footage of the Harbour Bridge stunt has prompted renewed calls for stronger rules governing e-bike use on Australian roads and footpaths.
Premier Chris Minns called the actions of e-bike hoons “intolerable” and the government is working on a solution.
“It’s regrettable that the original decision was made to have a 500 watt output rather than a 250 watt output because we’re now in a situation where we’re trying to close the barn door after close to a million of these machines are on Sydney streets,” he said.
“We’re working on a program and we’ll have more to say soon.”
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said wattage limits aren’t enough.
“Joy rides on the Sydney Harbour Bridge are stupid, unsafe and a middle finger to the police and the community,” she said in Parliament yesterday.
“These kids know they are unaccountable and untouchable until there is compulsory licence plates, enforcement and accountability.”
She said e-bike riders doing the wrong thing know there are no consequences and called on Transport Minister John Graham to introduce e-bike license plates to restore accountability.
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