Fernleigh Track Users Face Intimidation from Teen E-Bike Riders
Residents in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions are raising alarms over increasingly aggressive behaviour from groups of teenage riders on e-bikes and unregistered dirt bikes along the popular Fernleigh Track. Multiple reports detail incidents where walkers and cyclists have been targeted with water balloons, rocks, and verbal abuse, creating a climate of fear on the shared pathway.
Escalating Incidents and Community Concerns
Kahibah resident Tim Hassnoot, who regularly commutes via the track, described repeated encounters with these groups. "It is something that has come and gone over the last few months," he told the Newcastle Herald. "I have had to dodge things thrown at me multiple times." On one occasion, he had water balloons hurled at him from four riders positioned above the track.
Mr Hassnoot attempted to confront the teenagers, but they quickly fled. He emphasised that the problem extends beyond mere nuisance, noting, "They are a menace, apart from throwing things, they also like to swerve at you on the bikes and hurl abuse." He believes enforcement is crucial, stating, "Nothing will change 'til laws are enforced. These bikes are the new get-away vehicle of choice."
Reports of Injuries and Wider Disruption
Lake Macquarie resident Leesa Putan highlighted more severe consequences, recounting how walkers have been injured by water balloons filled and thrown at close range. "One poor lady got hit in the throat at close range and couldn't breathe," she said. Ms Putan also mentioned groups throwing rocks and surrounding cars on Dudley Road at Whitebridge, indicating the issue extends beyond the track itself.
Online community pages have echoed these concerns. Jamie Murphy posted about "10-15 young lads on e-bikes and pee wees" around Redhead who were yelling abuse. A Belmont woman added that riders have been gathering in groups to block the track, taunting passers-by. "It's a real problem," she said, describing the behaviour as kids trying to "one-up each other and act tough."
This is not an isolated trend. In July last year, a cyclist was hospitalised with multiple injuries after a group of young people threw rocks at him while he rode along the Fernleigh Track.
Police Response and Operation Shore Safe
The illegal use of motorbikes on the Fernleigh Track has prompted increased police attention. Chief Inspector Tom Barnes of Hunter Highway Command acknowledged the rise in e-bike usage, particularly among youth. He explained that while the bikes themselves are not inherently problematic if used lawfully, many are easily modified to bypass speed restrictions.
"There are some categories that are never going to be compliant, such as electric trail bikes," he noted. For compliant bikes, a simple test involves lifting the rear wheel to check if the throttle exceeds the 6km/h limit without pedal activation.
Chief Inspector Barnes stressed the distinction between non-compliance and criminal behaviour. "Some of this behaviour is simply just criminal," he said, referencing incidents south of Newcastle where roads were swarmed, rules disregarded, and vulnerable community members intimidated. "They are scaring innocent people, some of them are petrified of these devices, their speed and the fact they don't make much noise as they approach."
He confirmed police awareness of Fernleigh Track incidents, stating, "Whether that is directly associated with the use of e-bikes or not, it's not acceptable and in effect it amounts to assault. They are putting other people and themselves at risk." He warned that what riders might see as fun could quickly escalate if someone is injured or reacts violently.
In response, Lake Macquarie Police have conducted targeted bike patrols along the track and Lake Macquarie Esplanade, focusing on shared path safety. A recent operation resulted in five warnings and four infringement notices issued to e-bike riders. Police have committed to continuing similar operations across the district.
Ongoing Enforcement Efforts
These patrols are part of the broader Operation Shore Safe, launched by NSW Police on October 23 last year. This initiative focuses on pedestrian and road user safety in the Northern region, spanning from the Central Coast to Port Stephens over the summer months. It specifically targets e-bike users to promote safe and legal riding.
The operation deploys a variety of resources, including motorcycle police, trail bike officers, bicycle patrols, and highway patrol vehicles. Deployments will continue throughout the target areas until February, with the Fernleigh Track remaining a key focus. This sustained effort aims to curb the anti-social behaviour and ensure the track remains a safe environment for all users.
As community reports mount and police ramp up enforcement, the situation on the Fernleigh Track underscores the challenges of regulating emerging technologies like e-bikes while addressing youth-related crime and public safety concerns in the Newcastle area.
