A petition calling for tougher laws to tackle the use of illegal dirt bikes and e-scooters has attracted more than 5,000 signatures, with supporters urging the NSW Government to strengthen police powers and increase penalties for offenders.
The “Back the Blue — Not the Bike” petition was launched by Tanya Penfold and argues that current laws leave police with limited options to stop riders of stolen, unregistered and uninsured vehicles who flee from officers and endanger the public.
The petition distinguishes between responsible riders and those using illegal vehicles to commit offences.
“This petition is not about stopping children from being children, nor is it about restricting responsible Australians who ride bicycles, e-bikes, mobility scooters or motorbikes for recreation, transport, work or independence,” the petition states.
“Responsible riders are not the problem.”
Instead, it argues the issue is the increasing use of stolen, illegal and unregistered motorbikes, dirt bikes and e-scooters by offenders who evade police and commit crimes.
According to the petition, riders are travelling at dangerous speeds through streets, footpaths, parks and playgrounds, creating risks for pedestrians, motorists and other road users while taking advantage of restrictions on police pursuits.
The campaign also contends that responsibility for police pursuits should rest with offenders who choose to flee.
“Police do not create pursuits—offenders do,” the petition states.
“Every pursuit begins with a deliberate decision by an offender to ignore lawful directions, flee police and place innocent lives at risk.”
Among its proposed reforms, the petition calls for legislation that would:
- strengthen legal protections for police officers acting lawfully to intercept dangerous offenders;
- introduce stronger consequences for repeat juvenile offenders, including delaying eligibility for a driver’s licence;
- allow immediate seizure of unregistered vehicles used in offences;
- impose tougher penalties for people using stolen vehicles to commit crimes; and
- ensure any future reforms continue to distinguish between responsible riders and those engaging in criminal behaviour.
The petition also argues that failing to deal with offenders could ultimately result in increased regulation for legitimate riders through higher insurance costs, additional licensing requirements or tighter restrictions.
In a message to supporters after the petition passed 5,000 signatures, Ms Penfold said the campaign was gaining momentum but more public support was needed.
“Every signature on Back the Blue — Not the Bike represents someone who refuses to accept that illegal dirt bikes and e-scooters should continue to terrorise our communities,” she said.
She said supporters included parents concerned about children’s safety, victims of vehicle theft, residents worried about crime in their neighbourhoods and frontline police officers.
“Our petition is gaining momentum because people across NSW are recognising what is happening in our streets,” Ms Penfold said.
She pointed to recent legislative changes in Queensland, saying NSW should also consider reforms that better protect communities, strengthen police powers and increase consequences for offenders using illegal or stolen vehicles.
Ms Penfold encouraged people who have already signed the petition to continue sharing it through family, friends and local community groups.
“We need to make enough noise that our voices cannot be ignored,” she said.
“Every signature and every share tells the NSW Government that enough is enough—we want safer streets, stronger laws and real consequences for offenders.”
The petition can be signed on Change.org
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