By ANEEKA SIMONIS
POLICE revoked 14 motorcycle licences as part of a large-scale road safety operation in the Hills area during the final months of 2014.
Police said the riders were caught speeding more than 25km/h over the limit in dangerous hotspots including Gembrook, Cockatoo and Emerald between September and the New Year as part of the Ride Safe campaign.
A 45-year-old man, caught riding 50km/h over the speed limit, had his motorbike impounded after travelling 130km/h in an 80km/h zone along Beaconsfield- Emerald Road.
Another cyclist, travelling 144km/h in a 100km/h zone along Gembrook-Launching Place Road, had his license suspended for six months, received six demerit points and was fined more than $600.
Leading Senior Constable Peter Henderson said more than 450 infringements were issued to motorcyclists as part of the three-month campaign to safeguard the Hills’ busy, tourist roads.
“People tend to let go of their inhibitions and ride too fast under the circumstances,” he said.
Snr Con Henderson used the operation to remind motorcyclists of the importance of wearing protective gear.
“If you come off your bike and you’re wearing jeans, you have around 0.6 seconds until your skin gets torn into. If you’re wearing leathers, you’re protected for more than five seconds if you happen to crash and slide along bitumen.”
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found riders are over 37 times more likely than car drivers to be seriously injured on the road.
