Police Launch Covert Motorcycle Operation

Mon 5 February 2007, http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=10006

Dangerous motorcycle rider behaviour is being targeted by an unmarked, high powered touring motorcycle in an effort to curb the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities in the Yarra Ranges.

Police are aware that motorcycling enthusiasts from metropolitan Melbourne as well as regional Victoria regularly use Yarra Ranges roads.

The operation comes after reports that motorcyclists have been racing each other, leading to serious injury and death.

Inspector Ian Sutton, Region 4 Traffic Inspector, today urged all motorcyclists to take care on the roads or risk their lives and getting caught. “There are stretches of roads throughout the Yarra Ranges which continue to be popular spots for motorcyclists,” Inspector Sutton said. “The roads that we will be closely targeting during this operation include Reefton Spur, Maroondah Highway, Black Spur, Melba Highway, Yarra Glenn to Healesville Rd and Wellington Road,” he said. “We are targeting these areas with the new covert police motorcycle in a bid to cut the alarmingly high number of accidents in this area every year, some resulting in death. “Last year, 150 motorcycle collisions were recorded in the Yarra Ranges and 13 motorcycle fatalities in Region 4.   “The serious injuries sustained by motorcyclists involved in some of these accidents may require years of rehabilitation, surgery and loss of movement. “We are extremely concerned about the reckless behaviour displayed by some motorcyclists using our roads and want to stress that these roads are unforgiving; one small error of judgment could very easily turn to tragedy.”

The Road Trauma Reduction Strategy is a project partnership with Victoria Police and BMW Australia, who have kindly donated the motorcycle used in the operation.

Sara McMillan, Media Officer