Concerned about anti-social and illegal bike behaviour across the country, police are laying down the law following reports of dangerous and disruptive behaviour.

Police are taking strong action with a focus on bikes and their riders as reports come in from members of the public concerned about everything from dangerous riding to noise, and risks to the safety of riders and public.

Arrests have been made throughout the country, most recently in the Bay of Plenty, Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Eastern and Wellington districts.

Senior Sergeant John Stapleford is the Road Policing Coordinator in the Bay of Plenty.

He said they had an ongoing operation that targeted illegal trail and dirt bike offenders. particularly in the Rotorua area.

“Reckless behaviour puts both riders and others in danger.

“I’ve seen riders not wearing helmets on stolen bikes suffer incredibly serious injuries and I’ve also seen innocent members of the public hit.

“We encourage reports from the public, we investigate, we hold riders accountable and we seize bikes for the safety of everyone.

“One trail bike rider is now spending 15 months in prison as a result of our crackdown,” he said.

Police have a range of enforcement options

Dirt bikes and modified e-bikes must comply with New Zealand Road rules, including when used in public spaces such as roads, footpaths, shared paths and reserves.

Where vehicles are used dangerously, illegally or in an antisocial manner, riders may face charges for unlawful or dangerous driving.

Vehicles that are not road-legal or are being used unlawfully can be seized or impounded.

Dangerous riding puts both riders and the community at risk.

Public reporting plays a key role in enabling enforcement.

Police encourage anyone anywhere in the country who witnesses unsafe or illegal riding to report it as soon as possible, including details such as descriptions of the rider and bike, location and direction of travel.

Reports can be made via 111 if it is happening at the time, via 105 if it is afterwards, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Police are committed to using all enforcement tools available under the law and reiterate that when this behaviour is identified, action will be taken.