Monkey bikes destroyed by Frankston City Council

LEAD foot Frankston hoons have been dealt a blow, after council crushed their dangerous monkey bikes. The move comes two years after Carrum Downs mum Andrea Lehane was killed by a monkey bike.

MONKEY BIKE hoons were given an ominous warning after a council in Melbourne’s southeast publicly crushed seized mini-bikes.

At least 10 monkey bikes were crushed by Frankston City Council, as it attempts to rid itself of the dangerous road bikes.

MONKEY BIKES RIDDEN ILLEGALLY TO BE DESTROYED

CALEB JAKOBSSON PLEADS GUILTY TO CULPABLE DRIVING DEATH

MAN ACCUSED OF RUNNING DOWN MELBOURNE WOMAN ON MONKEY BIKE BACK IN CUSTODY

The crushing follows the sentencing of Caleb Jakobsson, 20, who ran down and killed Carrum Downs mother Andrea Lehane on a monkey bike in 2015.

Lehane was using a zebra crossing when Jakobsson mowed her down with his homemade motorbike.

The mother died a few days later in hospital.

Monkey bike crushing at Sims Metal in Seaford. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Crushed engine components are the only remnants of a monkey bike. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

In March, Jakobsson pleaded guilty to culpable driving causing death and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

Jakobsson was sentenced to seven years jail and could be eligible for parole after four years.

Frankston City Council Mayor Brian Cunial said the number of seized monkey bikes had dropped significantly after the ban.

“In 2015 to 2016 the council crushed 15 monkey bikes, compared with 44 when the ban commenced in 2007-2008,” he said.

Monkey bike crushing at Sims Metal in Seaford. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

“Given that from January 1, 2017 Victoria Police may also seize monkey bikes, we anticipate the number to decrease even further to an expected one or two per year.”

The bikes destroyed at Sims Metal in Seaford were impounded in the past 12 months after offenders did not pay the $800 release cost in the seven days required after being notified.

“Council’s Local Law bans monkey bikes other than on private property. This ban came into effect in 2007 following concerns about noise and public safety” Mr Cunial said.

The bikes are lined up then crushed by a magnetic grab. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Acting chief executive Tim Frederico said despite public warnings and the tragic death of Ms Lehane, people were still using monkey bikes.

“We are concerned in light of this tragic situation there is a number of people that are still doing the wrong thing,” he said.

“We want everyone in our community to be safe when using the roads and footpaths,”

“Tragic incidents such as this affect not only those directly involved, but their relatives, friends and the entire community.”

The metal from the bikes will be recycled and then sold for re-use.