US man fined after dangerous e-bike ride across Sydney Harbour Bridge
Police have revealed an update after wild footage emerged showing dozens of e-bike riders on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
A US man has been fined after wild footage emerged of a large group riding e-bikes across Sydney’s Harbour Bridge.
Police were called to Hickson Rd, Sydney after reports of a large group of e-bike and e-motorcycle riders travelling in a dangerous manner at about 4.30pm on Tuesday.
“Officers … attended and located approximately 40 riders who were riding dangerously on the Harbour Bridge,” police said.
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The group dispersed a short time later, with police not pursuing due to safety concerns.
There were no reports of injuries or damage to property.
Footage of the incident quickly surfaced online, drawing widespread condemnation from police and government figures.
Urgent calls for e-bike reform after ‘e-bike gang’ spotted riding along Sydney Harbour Bridge
Following days of inquiry, police said on Saturday they had issued a 26-year-old US citizen with two traffic infringement notices for negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm). The man received fines of $562 and three demerit points each.
‘Extremely frustrating’: Stunt sparks fury
Speaking on Wednesday, Assistant Commissioner David Driver told reporters the riders were “stupid, irresponsible and extremely frustrating”.
“This incident had the potential to be catastrophic,” Mr Driver said.
“We are continuing to investigate and will identify the individuals involved.
“Parents need to have strong conversations with their children about the risks. This is a community responsibility, not just the police’s problem.”
“I don’t want to be knocking on your door and telling you that your child has been killed.”
Mr Driver confirmed the incident was captured on CCTV, which police have obtained along with other footage, including riders in school uniforms, and warned that anyone found committing offences will face “appropriate action”.
Premier Chris Minns labelled the group’s actions “intolerable.”
“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.”
NSW Liberal transport spokesperson Natalie Ward said the stunt showed the need for urgent reform and that the Minns government had “lost control” of e-bikes in Sydney’s streets.
“This is not a one-off. This is organised, deliberate and now openly filmed because riders know there are no consequences,” she said.
“(Transport Minister) John Graham needs to step up or step aside on this one. He has clearly lost control.”
She said the videos were proof that action was needed, rather than a caution.
“Joy-rides on the Sydney Harbour Bridge are stupid, unsafe and a middle finger to the police and the community,” Ms Ward said.
“Labor keeps obsessing over wattage, speed caps and technical definitions.
“These kids know they are unaccountable and untouchable until there are compulsory licence plates, enforcement and accountability.”
Originally published as US man fined after e-bike gang takes over Sydney Harbour Bridge
