‘Fat bikes’ travelling at high-speeds on Northern Beaches footpaths drive safety fears

A beachside community is cracking down on a dangerous trend plaguing their footpaths.

A Sydney neighbourhood is being plagued by reckless bike riders allegedly riding at high speeds on pedestrian walkways, prompting fears for local’s safety.

“Fat bikes” – electric bikes with oversized wheels – have overrun the shared footpaths in the beachside suburb of Manly in recent months, with multiple reports of pedestrians being struck by bikes.

Some locals have reported seeing riders travel at speeds of over 40km/h.

“What we’re trying to avoid here is death, death and injury because for us, we’re very aware it’s only a matter of time,” Northern Beaches mayor Sue Heins told Nine.

“Fat bikes” have overrun the footpaths of the Northern Beaches. Picture: Facebook

NSW Police said there have been 244 cautions for e-bike and e-scooter related offences, including not wearing helmets or riding on the footpath, between Manly and Palm Beach in the last 12 months.

In some cases, police took riders home and spoke with their parents.

Even more concerning is the emerging trend of modified bikes whereby the bikes built-in speed cap of 25km/h can be adjusted by removing the throttle.

Inspector Stuart Forbes said riders of modified bikes could face heavy fines for riding them on the footpath.

“Once they modify, it becomes a vehicle, it doesn’t meet NSW legislation and there are heavy fines involved with it,” he told Nine.

Locals have reacted to the issue. Picture: Supplied

Locals walking and riding along the beachfront on Tuesday morning reacted to the news, with most people agreeing the code was a move in the right direction.

“Kids will be kids, but and on the whole, I think it’s a really good thing for the community,” one cyclist told Nine.

“I said to my wife that I thought there might be an accident one day along here, there are lots of kids on one bike, no helmets, doing full speed past everybody,” another man said.

Locals have reacted to the issue. Picture: Supplied

The Northern Beaches Council launched an Australian-first safety code for e-bike riders in Manly on Monday.

It advises riders to slow down to walking pace when sharing the footpath, ring the bell to alert others you’re approaching and be prepared to avoid people, pets and prams.

Unfortunately, police are unable charged riders under the age of 16 with any offence and are only able to seize the bike and caution the rider.