By Natalie Gauld, Managing Editor of Proctor, Queensland Law Society
Queensland police officers regularly patrol and crack down on the dangerous operation of personal mobility devices (PMD) such as e-scooters and bikes, which can attract fines up to $1209.
The high patronage on the new Kangaroo Point Bridge in Brisbane has added to the number of commuters walking, riding and scootering into the CBD.
In a police operation this month (January), Brisbane City Highway Patrol conducted patrols and enforcement activities, targeting helmets not being worn and speeding.
Locations included Goodwill Bridge, Kurilpa Bridge, Victoria Bridge, Kangaroo Point Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves, New Farm Riverwalk and the Bicentennial Bikeway.
The operation resulted in 52 infringement notices being issued to 50 people.
One man was issued with two $161 infringement notices less than 15 minutes apart for failing to wear a helmet.
Eight lives were lost on PMDs up to 18 December 2024 with more than 1700 infringements issued for failing to wear a helmet and over 183 infringements for speeding. Two lives were lost in 2023.
During these operations, officers also educate riders about how to stay safe when using these devices.
Police are reminding PMD users to always wear a helmet, do not double (have two or more people use a device), do not use your phone, stick to 12km/h on footpaths and 25km/h elsewhere unless otherwise signed and, don’t drink and ride.
For those who do choose to ride PMDs, police stress the importance of:
Queensland police officers regularly patrol and crack down on the dangerous operation of personal mobility devices (PMD) such as e-scooters and bikes, which can attract fines up to $1209.
The high patronage on the new Kangaroo Point Bridge in Brisbane has added to the number of commuters walking, riding and scootering into the CBD.
In a police operation this month (January), Brisbane City Highway Patrol conducted patrols and enforcement activities, targeting helmets not being worn and speeding.
Locations included Goodwill Bridge, Kurilpa Bridge, Victoria Bridge, Kangaroo Point Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves, New Farm Riverwalk and the Bicentennial Bikeway.
The operation resulted in 52 infringement notices being issued to 50 people.
One man was issued with two $161 infringement notices less than 15 minutes apart for failing to wear a helmet.
Eight lives were lost on PMDs up to 18 December 2024 with more than 1700 infringements issued for failing to wear a helmet and over 183 infringements for speeding. Two lives were lost in 2023.
During these operations, officers also educate riders about how to stay safe when using these devices.
Police are reminding PMD users to always wear a helmet, do not double (have two or more people use a device), do not use your phone, stick to 12km/h on footpaths and 25km/h elsewhere unless otherwise signed and, don’t drink and ride.
For those who do choose to ride PMDs, police stress the importance of:
- Wearing appropriate safety gear, including helmets.
- Riding responsibly and operating within the road rules.
- Being vigilant and cautious, particularly around roads and pedestrians.
- Speeding – up to $645
- No helmet – $161
- Using a phone – $1,209
- Double riding – $161
- Riding on a prohibited road – $193
