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Police crackdown on ‘cowboy’ riders on Old Pacific Highway at Cowan

MOTORCYCLISTS have blasted cowboy groups that encourage “deadly behaviour” on the Old Pacific Highway at Cowan.

The plea comes as the Hornsby Advocate can reveal the two riders killed in the past six months were from the same group.

Outraged riders revealed 19-year-old L-plater Ki Dwyer, who was killed on January 20, and 45-year-old Malcolm Jenkins, killed on September 27, were members of a secret group known as Real Road Racers (RRR).

Malcolm Jenkins died after hitting an Armco railing on the Old Pacific Highway at Cowan. Picture: Supplied
Malcolm Jenkins died after hitting an Armco railing on the Old Pacific Highway at Cowan. Picture: Supplied

One motorcycle enthusiast, who wished to only be identified as Craig due to fears of retribution, said RRR was known for performing reckless stunts on the Old Pacific Highway.

“Malcolm Jenkins was a very prominent figure in RRR and the young fella, Ki Dwyer, was also a known member of this particular group,” Craig said.

Mr Dwyer was also killed on the Old Pacific Highway at Cowan.
Mr Dwyer was also killed on the Old Pacific Highway at Cowan.

“The group started gaining attention to themselves after posting videos of stunts on the old road, and has become quite infamous since.

“I have been riding for 30 years and I have never seen the kind of reckless behaviour that I have witnessed on the Old Pacific Highway — not all riders are like this, the majority of us do the right thing on our roads.”

One rider said Mr Dwyer was a member of the Real Road Racers.
One rider said Mr Dwyer was a member of the Real Road Racers.
The scene where Mr Jenkins died. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett
The scene where Mr Jenkins died. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Information surrounding RRR comes as its leader filmed himself travelling at 153km/h on the Old Pacific Highway, while a passenger urged him to slow down.

In a response to reports, the leader of the group posted a video to followers declaring that he was “a dangerous hoon”.

“It is amazing how quickly they will throw one of their own under the bus,” he said.

‘DANGEROUS HOON’ SPEAKS OUT

NSW Police assistant commissioner Michael Corboy told 7 News the group would be treated as a gang and would be targeted using covert and overt methods.

“We’re going to come and knock on your door very shortly,” he said.

The co-ordinator of a 4000-strong group of riders, who also could not be named because of safety concerns, said he was determined to change the behaviour of riders through subsidised training courses.

“We encourage our members from across the country to join us for our annual rider training days,” the group’s leader said.

“Our riders learn to improve their safety in a controlled environment.

“We want to prevent further loss of life and change behaviours of riders. These courses are an example of how we are trying to improve this as a community.”

Mr Dwyer’s last message to partner Maxine Regan before his death.
Mr Dwyer’s last message to partner Maxine Regan before his death.

The co-ordinator said he wanted to bridge the gap between riders and police patrolling the Old Pacific Highway.

“The police force need to work out a different way to encourage people to ride safe,” he said.

“NSW Police and the RMS could consider helping subside these classes, because it isn’t cheap. But the easiest way to change riders’ minds is for police to stop, say hello and encourage safe driving — I feel like this would reduce casualty rates dramatically.”

A tribute to Mr Dwyer where he was killed. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett
A tribute to Mr Dwyer where he was killed. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/special-features/in-depth/riders-nsw-police-crackdown-on-cowboy-behaviour-on-the-old-pacific-highway-at-cowan/news-story/e2c6013b3af446d0cd0069bb4de30c8c