Fresh demands have emerged for immediate changes to e-bike regulations following an "e-bike gang" crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Tuesday afternoon.
A video showing a big group of individuals illegally operating e-bikes on the main deck of the historic bridge has been shared online.
Approximately 40 individuals on powerful electric bikes and motorcycles were captured speeding across the historic bridge, with video footage revealing them weaving through traffic just before rush hour on Tuesday.
The group later executed wheelies and sped recklessly through Sydney's streets, with some riders capturing the moment on camera.
Cycling on the primary walkway of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with regular bicycles or electric bikes is against the law.
The team of riders is said to have been guided by online personality Sur Roonster, who has 2.4 million followers on TikTok.
Video footage captures the influencer, known for producing motorcycle-related content, as he signs autographs on e-bikes and motorcycles belonging to other riders. He has not been charged with any misconduct.
A representative from the New South Wales Police mentioned that officers responded to Hickson Road following reports of approximately 40 individuals riding in a reckless and unsafe manner, although no arrests were made.
"Officers from the Sydney City Police Area Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command arrived at the location and found around 40 cyclists who were riding recklessly on the Harbour Bridge," they stated.
The group broke up a little while afterwards. Authorities were unable to start a chase because of safety issues.
The group was spotted at 5:30 pm on the same day and received a serious reprimand from the police before being permitted to go.
After the intense idea, Liberal transport spokesperson Natalie Ward stated that immediate changes are required to prevent imitators from illegally speeding on electric bikes in the streets.
She claimed the most recent event on the Sydney Harbour Bridge demonstrated that the NSW government had "lost control" over e-bikes.
"This isn't an isolated incident. It's coordinated, intentional, and now openly recorded because riders are aware there are no repercussions," she stated.
(Transport Minister) John Graham must take action or make way on this issue. He has clearly lost control.
She claimed the videos served as evidence that action was required, rather than a warning.
"Joy-rides on the Sydney Harbour Bridge are foolish, dangerous, and a direct insult to the police and the public," Ms Ward stated.
Labour is constantly fixated on power levels, speed limits and technical specifications.
These young people are aware they are immune and beyond reach until there are mandatory license plates, enforcement, and responsibility.
NRMA representative Peter Khoury also commented on Wednesday, supporting suggestions for an e-bike registration system and encouraging officials to broaden changes to e-scooters.
"Clearly, NSW and Australia are facing a significant issue. It's clearly a serious road safety problem," Mr Khoury stated.
He mentioned that the video being shared online should raise awareness among drivers throughout the state and cautioned that the problem could develop into another significant road safety issue if not addressed.
"What we need to do is discover a method to remove these children from their bicycles. And make sure these children are off our roads while they are cycling," he stated.
Although the NRMA backs the registration process, Mr Khoury mentioned that additional authority is required, such as enabling police, and possibly council rangers, to seize bicycles that are being used unlawfully or by individuals under the legal age.
"This isn't something the police should handle by themselves. It requires a collective effort from the whole community," he stated.
He also appealed to parents to cease purchasing powerful e-bikes for their kids and requested stricter implementation of current regulations, cautioning that several laws were violated simultaneously during Tuesday's event.
"We aren't able to allow children to ride illegally across the Harbour Bridge during rush hour," he stated.
Mr. Khoury stated that unauthorized bicycles need to be taken off the roads and emphasized that parents and the broader community have a duty to assist in preventing additional risky actions.
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