Bikers clampdown

By Callan Date
PAKENHAM police are cracking down on reckless behaviour by motorcyclists after several concerning incidents over the last two weeks.
Operation Unrider will officially start this Friday and continue through to 14 September, focusing on a range of issues relating to the safety of motorcyclists and other road users.
The statewide operation will start only a week after three incidents involving motorcycles were reported to local police.
The first occurred when police detected a 34yearold man riding his motorcycle more than 50km/h over the speed limit in Guys Hills last Wednesday.
The Cockatoo resident was detected travelling at 132km/h in an 80km/h zone on EmeraldBeaconsfield Road and was issued with a $462 fine. The motorcyclist also had his licence suspended for 12 months.
A second incident occurred when a 33yearold Clayton rider came off his motorcycle on GembrookLaunching Place Road in Gembrook last Thursday about noon.
The man suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Dandenong Hospital by ambulance.
Police said they are hoping to speak to the driver of a white van who they say may be able to help them with their inquiries.
The third incident involving a motorcyclist happened last Saturday when a rider and his 14yearold pillion passenger crashed on the Princes Highway near Panorama Avenue, Officer.
Pakenham Traffic Management Unit (TMU) Sergeant Peter Garton said a 46yearold Gembrook man was attempting to overtake a truck when he was thrown from his Harley Davidson.
He suffered serious injuries in the crash and was admitted to Dandenong Hospital.
The 14yearold boy was also taken to Dandenong Hospital with minor injuries.
Sgt Garton said motorcyclists ride a highrisk vehicle and need to act accordingly on the roads.
“Riders need to be aware of what’s going on around them and ride defensively rather than at high speed. Otherwise it is a recipe for disaster,” Sgt Garton said.
He added local TMU officers would be strictly enforcing Operation Unrider throughout the Cardinia area.