Police Intervene as E-Bike 'Ride-Out' Swarm Hits Woonona
A concerning trend of mass e-bike gatherings, known as "ride-outs", has emerged in the Illawarra region, with police recently disrupting a large swarm of up to 100 teenagers in Woonona. This follows warnings from medical professionals about the severe injuries caused by these fast, heavy vehicles.
Police Action at Hollymount Park
Officers from the Wollongong Police District and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were called to a sports complex on Alice Street in Woonona around 11:45 am on Friday. They responded to reports of numerous e-bike riders engaging in dangerous behaviour. A police spokesman confirmed that approximately 100 riders, all believed to be teenagers, left the scene upon police arrival. After patrolling the area, authorities reported no injuries or arrests from this incident.
This event was part of a broader pattern, with a similar incident occurring on Thursday and another report of about 20 e-bike riders running red lights on Lawrence Hargrave Drive in Thirroul. The Mercury has viewed video footage showing a large group speeding through a busy intersection, ignoring two red lights and posing risks to both themselves and motorists.
The Rise of 'Ride-Outs' and Safety Concerns
These organised "ride-outs" represent an escalation beyond typical groups of young e-bike users. Large swarms have been observed in various locations, including:
- Speeding across a golf course in Collaroy
- Riding along shared paths while shouting at pedestrians in Bulli
- Navigating through public areas in Manly and Cronulla
The phenomenon adds to existing worries about young people operating "fat" wheeled e-bikes, many of which exceed the legal speed limit of 25 km/h and use throttle controls instead of pedals. This makes them illegal in New South Wales, yet their popularity continues to grow, especially in coastal suburbs. NSW opposition transport spokeswoman Natalie Ward has described these speeding swarms as "incredibly intimidating for people."
Medical Warnings Over E-Bike Injuries
Experienced Wollongong orthopaedic surgeon Dr Sheraz Anjum has highlighted that e-bike crashes often result in more severe injuries compared to regular bicycles. Riders travelling at higher speeds face increased risks of:
- Head and facial injuries, which can lead to permanent scarring
- Upper body trauma, including clavicle and arm fractures
- Ankle fractures and other lower limb injuries
Dr Anjum reported treating numerous patients with such injuries over the past six to twelve months, emphasising the serious health implications of these accidents. This warning comes alongside a recent incident where a 12-year-old boy required treatment from paramedics and a rescue helicopter crew in Horsley after fracturing his arm and leg in an e-scooter crash.
As these "ride-out" events become more visible, starting in Sydney and spreading to Wollongong's northern suburbs, authorities and communities are grappling with how to address the safety challenges posed by these illegal, high-speed electric bikes.
