Monkey bike hoons spotted on Ringwood’s Mullum Mullum Creek trail and Strathfield Parade Croydon
Residents are fed up with the behaviour of monkey bike hoons zooming along a popular walking trail in Melbourne’s east and spreading fumes in nearby streets. The bikes are known to be dangerous and have led to deaths.
Outer East
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A rider on a souped-up bike with a petrol engine has been spotted covering his face and making rude gestures in a Croydon street.
The Leader was contacted by a resident, who wished to remain anonymous, who claimed young people had been riding the “noisy and smelly” bikes on the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail and its surrounds, including Strathfield Parade.
The resident expressed concerns about the discomfort of other walkers and cyclists on the trail and claimed the riders did not wear helmets or protective gear.
“For some time now, I have come across people riding up and down using bicycles that have been converted with petrol engines,” they wrote.
“They are not only noisy and smelly, these (seemingly young) persons drive without helmets and protective gear, at speed, frankly in an unruly manner.
“The discomfort is exacerbated by the higher volumes of pedestrians and cyclists during lockdown.
“This is also quite close to the Cherry Tree Grove retirement village, with many elderly citizens using the footpaths and trails as well.”
The resident captured a photo of one of the riders, who allegedly covered his face put up his middle finger when he noticed he was getting snapped.
The souped-up bikes, commonly known as ‘monkey bikes’, are a pet hate of police and have led to tragic outcomes.
A man died after he crashed his monkey bike into a pole in Carrum Downs in December, while mother-of-two Andrea Lehane was killed after she was hit by a rider in the same suburb in 2015.
Ringwood police Acting Sergeant John Woods said the unit was not aware of any recent incidents or complaints about monkey bikes in the area.
But Acting Sgt Woods warned riders the bikes were not permitted on trails and walking tracks.
“They are classed as a motor vehicle so all users must adhere to road rules, involving helmets, protective gear, registration and appropriate licences,” he said.
Acting Sgt Woods urged residents to report any sightings or issues to Crime Stoppers.
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