The Andrews Labor Government is making Victorian roads safer by giving the Victoria Police the power to impound and crush dangerous miniature motorbikes, known as monkey bikes.
The Road Legislation Further Amendment Bill (2016) will be introduced into the Victorian Parliament this week and will give the Victoria Police greater powers to seize and impound monkey bikes used on our roads.
The offender or owner will be required to appear in court where they can receive a fine of up to $3109 and the monkey bike may be crushed.
If police find a monkey bike without a rider, the bike will be impounded and crushed after three months.
Riders who are found not to have a valid motorcycle licence will be charged with unlicensed driving.
Currently, Victoria Police only have the power to issue fines to offenders for riding an unregistered vehicle, which may extend to a fine for speeding or reckless driving in some cases.
Tragically, monkey bikes have already cost two Victorian lives in the past 18 months, including a mother of two who was struck by a monkey bike in a Carrum Downs shopping centre car park last year.
Monkey bikes will remain legal for use on private property, such as a gated farm.
Some other types of miniature motorcycles that meet standards will remain legal under the new definition of a “miniaturised motorcycle” in road safety laws.
Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews
“We’re not going to stand by and watch another person hurt on our roads by these dangerous bikes.”
“We’re protecting road users and pedestrians. Now, Victoria Police will have the power to crack down on riders who are caught doing the wrong thing.”
Quote attributable to the Minister for Roads and Roads Safety Luke Donnellan
“Monkey bikes are unsafe – and if you’re riding one in public, you’re breaking the law.”
“Police won’t be granting second chances when it comes to keeping these bikes off our streets, and keeping people safe.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020