Charleville police crack down on dirt bike offenders as statistics revealed

Police in a regional Queensland community are shifting gears in their dirt bike crackdown. Find out what kind of penalties offenders can expect.

Charleville police are cracking down on juvenile dirt bike riders.

Police in an Outback Queensland town are shifting gear in their targeted operation to crackdown on reckless and dangerous operation of dirt bikes in the community.

As school holidays approach, Charleville police are once again sending a warning out to dirt bike riders who are putting themselves and the community at risk.

Charleville police have been taking action to educate dirt bike riders since December 2022, but Senior Constable Kate Todman said police are no longer being lenient to repeat offenders.

Constable Todman said the first crackdown in 2022 was sparked after five complaints to police and three traffic crashes which involved dirt bikes.

She said during that first operation from November 2022 to February 2023, police spoke to 31 people in an effort to educate riders about safe practices and the law. In that period, 3 traffic infringement notices were issued to adults, one juvenile was charged and two people were injured in a dirt bike accident.

Constable Todman said the second intensive operation took place between November 2023 to February 2024.

“Prior to the second operation, we had 2 complaints regarding dirt bike riders, from the public,” she said.

“We saw two traffic crashes involving dirt bikes.”

Constable Todman said in the second operation, eight people were spoken to by police, two kids were charged for a range of offences including dangerous operation of a vehicle and riding an unregistered vehicle on a road, four people were injured in two dirt bike crashes, and one bike was seized for 90 days.

She said since January 2024, police have received four traffic complaints regarding dangerous operation of a vehicle.

While these statistics reflect a prevalent issue, Constable Todman said that is hardly a “true reflection of what is actually happening.”

“We know that most people do not report these incidents to police,” she said.

“We encourage people to make complaints to police via policelink.”

“The dirt strip next to the road is classified as a road related area, and you may face fines for riding your bike in this area, especially if you are riding dangerously or without care or attention for other road users or pedestrians,” Constable Todman said.

“Police will be increasing patrols for dirt bike riding offences and implementing strict enforcement measures to deter these dangerous and unlawful activities.

“You can be issued an infringement notice, a notice to appear or arrested and have to appear before a magistrate’s court.

“In addition to going to court, you may have your dirt bike seized for a prescribed period or forfeited to the state.”

Sergeant Tim Cooper said while most riders are abiding by the law, a few individuals are ruining it for the community.

“Riding an unregistered dirt bike on a road, without a helmet or recklessly, is an offence and you will be charged,” Sergeant Cooper said.

“Do the right thing, so we can all enjoy the sport.”

Officer in Charge of Charleville station, Senior Sergeant Noel Jones said the safety and well-being of the Charleville community is the utmost priority.

“We are taking immediate action to address this matter,” he said.

“By enforcing the use of helmets, we aim to ensure the safety of riders and prevent unnecessary harm.

“Furthermore, riding dirt bikes on public land is unlawful.

“The unauthorised use of public land for off-road activities compromises the safety and enjoyment of other community members who utilise these areas for recreational purposes.

“The crackdown on illegal dirt bike riding serves to protect not only the riders but also the broader community.”

Sergeant Jones said the cooperation of parents and guardians is essential in educating young people about the importance of wearing helmets and adhering to the rules and regulations regarding off-road activities.

Originally published as Charleville police crack down on dirt bike offenders as statistics revealed