Police cracking down on reckless motorcyclists

Nanaimo

2024-09-23 09:09 PDT

File # 2024-28683

The Nanaimo RCMP is seeing an alarming increase in motorcycle drivers pulling wheelies, video recording themselves and operating in a dangerous reckless manner on roads and streets in Nanaimo. This activity is 73 incidents being reported in 2023 and 50 in 2022.

These dangerous activities include numerous reports of motorcycles sometimes riding 2-3 abreast, operating on the wrong side of the road and driving towards oncoming vehicles, driving at night with no lights on, cutting in and out of traffic and riding on sidewalks at high rates of speed with no regard for the safety of pedestrians. Many of these stunts have been posted to various social media platforms. Fines for these activities can range from $196 to $598 under the Motor Vehicle Act and if the behavior is egregious enough riders could also face criminal code charges.

In one incident alone an officer witnessed a motorcyclist near the University Heights Mall stunting and driving recklessly. It also appeared to the officer that the rider was trying to bait the officer in to pursuing the bike. With a full-face shield and no license on the bike it makes it very difficult to determine who the individual is, said R/Cst Gary O’Brien.

Of the 104 reported incidents, the majority are occurring in the early hours of the evening, in the area of Harewood around the University Village, and Cinnabar area near the Southgate Mall. Other incidents have been reported in the Country Club and Departure Bay area. There are a number of similarities between these incidents. Based on observations by complainants and officers, the riders appear to be young adult men, ranging in ages of 16 to early 20’s operating bikes that are not licensed for roadways. Most of the riders are wearing bright multi colored jackets, wearing full face shields and operating off-road high performance dirt bikes.

Investigators are narrowing the the suspect pool but do need assistance from the public to move forward with the investigation. Based on what has been reported and sometimes witnessed by our officers, it is only a manner of time before someone is seriously injured or killed, said O’Brien.

If anyone has information on who is involved in any of these incidents, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

Released by:

Email: gary.obrien@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: nanaimo.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Follow Us: