The Tasmanian Government says it is taking decisive action to get “dangerous and noisy” petrol-powered bicycles off the state’s streets.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson said the Government is proposing new laws to ban the unregistered petrol-powered bicycles being used in any public area including bush tracks, footpaths and bicycle paths.
“These bicycles are often home-built with petrol-powered engines (such as from a lawn mower) attached to a standard bicycle so they are not subject to any safety standard,” Mr Ferguson said.
“These modified bikes can be ridden at high speeds but of course only have regular pushbike brakes fitted, if any, and the frames are not designed for high speeds.
“In any case they are inherently dangerous, not just for the rider but for innocent members of the public.
“As Government members, we’ve received feedback from the community that these dangerous bikes are annoying and spoil neighbourhood peace as they are excessively noisy. Further, because riders aren’t licenced and the bikes aren’t registered, they are often the choice for idiotic hooning and other antisocial behaviour.”
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis said that under the proposed laws, petrol-powered bicycles will be treated as motorcycles, requiring them to be registered. In effect very few, if any, would meet the standards to do so, he said.
“They will be outlawed. Riders would also need to comply with the same rules as riding a motorcycle including holding I all road rules,” Mr Ellis said.
“It is proposed that the new laws will start after 6 months to allow time for community information and time for people to find alternative transport or remove the engine.
“By taking decisive action like this we are making our roads and paths safer and more enjoyable for everyone.”
For more information on the proposed laws go to www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au.
