Police target illegal riders

By Meg Kennedy

Complaints from the community to police about brazen and illegal motorcycle riders has kick started an operation to curb the behaviour.
Unlicensed motorcycle riders and unregistered motorbikes are the target for Operation Trail Blazer, which is currently in effect in Bacchus Marsh and surrounds.
The Operation aims to crack down on motorcyclists breaking the law, as well as focusing on motorbike safety and responsible motorbike usage.
Police are frequenting local back roads and walking tracks as part of the operation, with results in the last few weeks including two unregistered motorbikes, an unlicensed rider, one impoundment, a speeding offence and illegally crossing over double white lines.
Impoundment costs can range from $1000-$1500.
“Many times, it’s not worth the cost to recover the motor bike,” said Bacchus Marsh Senior Sergeant Richard Quigg.
“When word-of-mouth gets out there that your motorbike will be impounded if you are breaking the law, I’m sure the complaints about off road bikes in and around town will drop significantly,” said Sergeant Quigg.
The Operation is set to continue in the area on a regular basis, as well as targeting off-road bikes in and around the national parks, with the assistance of Victoria Police’s Special Solo Unit.