Bathurst police cracking down on motorbikes on footpaths, in paths

Police have received dozens of calls from the general public reporting motorcycles, mainly noisy dirt bikes, that have been spotted speeding illegally along footpaths and through public parks.

Police say the bikes are unregistered and the riders are usually unlicensed and they pose an unacceptable safety risk to themselves and the public.

Kelso has been the worst-affected area of the city but the hoons have also been spotted tearing around West Bathurst and closer to the central business district.

Chifley Police District crime manager Detective Chief Inspector Bruce Grassick said officers were taking the dangerous behaviour seriously and had this week arrested two riders as part of an ongoing operation.

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"We have had an operation running now and had some success early this week when we stopped two offenders who had their bikes seized and will now come before the courts, but we believe there are many more out there," Chief Inspector Grassick said.

"There's been a lot of work across the police district and also involving Traffic and Highway Patrol.

"We believe there are a large number of people involved in this and that they don't necessarily belong to just one group of riders."

Chief Inspector Grassick said the public had an important role to play in bringing the hoons to justice.

"We are asking for assistance from the public who have been excellent in providing us with information and also sending through videos that have been critical to the charges we've laid so far," he said.

"We are seeking information from the public around people riding unregistered bikes on footpath, in parks and through the industrial estates, particularly in and around Kelso.

"We are concerned about the risks to the riders themselves but also to the general public.

"These riders are showing a blatant disregard for their own safety and also the safety of others."

Chief Inspector Grassick said there were adult and children riders involved.

"Many of them are not wearing helmets but they are disguising their faces and that's why we need help from the public," he said.

"People can report information through Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000) and they can leave information anonymously if they wish."

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