Petition Targets Illegal Bikes

Growing concerns over illegal petrol-powered bikes and high-powered e-bikes across Wyndham are set to be debated by councillors next week after more than 230 residents backed a petition calling for action.

A report before Wyndham City Council’s meeting on 23 June shows a petition signed by 266 people was lodged with Council in May, with 231 signatures deemed valid.

The petition raises concerns about the use of petrol-powered push bikes, high-powered non-compliant e-bikes and other unregistered motor vehicles on shared paths, parklands and local roads throughout Wyndham.

Petitioners claim the vehicles are being ridden at high speeds in pedestrian areas, creating safety risks for walkers, families and other path users.

They also cite increasing community anxiety, noise complaints and concerns about impacts on public spaces.

Among the measures being sought are speed-calming treatments on shared paths, warning signs at known hotspots and a municipality-wide awareness campaign highlighting the legal and safety risks associated with the vehicles.

The petition also calls for Council’s contracted security patrols to prioritise known hooning hotspots and report sightings to Victoria Police.

Petitioners are further seeking advocacy to the Victorian Government for tougher laws, including proof-of-age requirements for fuel purchases, greater powers for police to seize vehicles and stronger accountability measures for guardians of minors found using the vehicles illegally.

Residents are also asking Council to request a formal response from Victoria Police outlining current and planned enforcement activity, as well as regular public updates on vehicle seizures and enforcement outcomes.

Councillors are not being asked to implement any of the proposed measures at next week’s meeting.

Instead, officers have recommended Council formally receive and note the petition before a further report is brought back to a future council meeting