Speeding cyclists and scooter riders on a well known Melbourne promenade face fines of more than $1600 under a new trial.
The Southbank promenade will be patrolled for three weeks from Wednesday to ensure bike and scooter riders are obeying speed current limits.
The busy thoroughfare is designed to be used by bike, scooter riders and pedestrians but only at a limit of 10km/h.
Riders failing to abide by a signposted limit along a shared path can be charged on summons and prosecuted under Road Safety Act. The offence carries a maximum penalty of $1,652.20.
Southbank Acting Senior Sergeant Brett Sidebottom said the move would clamp down on those putting pedestrians at risk.
“Pedestrians are among our most vulnerable road users – if involved in a collision there is very little that protects them from impact,” he said.
“It is incredibly dangerous for all path users to have riders zooming past pedestrians at a great speed, particularly when we have more people coming back into the city visiting the wonderful food and entertainment precincts along Southbank Promenade.”
The Melbourne Bike Patrol and local police will patrol the area at peak travel times to detect and deter speeding offences and riders putting other path users in danger.
Speeding warnings are in place to notify riders of their speed and police will use handheld speed detection devices to detect those flouting the laws.
The first phase of the operation will include an education approach, with police handing out flyers and making sure those using the space understand the rules.
The operation will also include checks for electric bike and scooter riders to ensure their devices meet current regulations.
Scooters must not exceed a maximum power of 200 watts and electric bikes must not exceed a maximum power of 250 watts and the power assistance must only be available to travel up to 25km/h and not be available unless the rider is pedalling.
Police say if these conditions are not met, the device can only be used on a private property and the person could be penalised for driving an unregistered motor vehicle.
“We know more people are choosing options such as electric bikes and scooters to get around the city, and we want to make sure their devices are up to standard and in line with current regulations,” Sergeant Sidebottom said.
“We encourage all users of roads and shared footpaths to have patience and make sure you look out for each other to ensure everyone is using the space safely.”
