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Police give stern warning on reckless riding

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Get tough attitude: Inspector Dave Greenidge, vowed that Police “are not going to tolerate” reckless riding, after a spate of videos have circulated virally showning young men performing stunts at speed on Bermuda’s roads. Mr Greenidge explained that if “these young men intend to run the gauntlet, then they will suffer the consequences”

The island’s motorcycle clubs joined forces yesterday to condemn dangerous and illegal driving on public roads.

Shane Simmons, the president of the Bermuda Long Riders Club and Motorcycle Association, said an epidemic of risky behaviour was a cause for concern and was underscored by videos of reckless behaviour.

He added: “We’re seeing a lot of things going on, and it’s really getting out of hand.”

Mr Simmons added that motorcycle riders and drivers had become “more brazen and callous with their behaviours”.

He said: “Individuals seem to be getting a kick out of the videos. It’s not boding well with anyone.”

He was speaking as representatives from Bermuda’s motorsports organisations teamed up with police to ram home a safety first message.

Inspector Dave Greenidge, of the Bermuda Police Service, said that the event was held in response to several incidents of illegal motorcycle riding that had been video recorded and shared via social media.

He warned that the police had a duty to enforce the rules.

Mr Greenidge added: “We are not going to tolerate this level of behaviour on the road.

“If these young men intend to run the gauntlet, then they will suffer the consequences.

“That is the clear message coming from the Bermuda Police Service today.”

Herbie Alves, a member of the Bermuda Motocross Club, said that the club did not condone several recent “unsafe and illegal” incidents that featured motocross bikes.

Mr Alves added: “Not only is it dangerous for the riders, as the vehicles are not designed to be ridden on the road, but it is also a danger for the unsuspecting public.”

He said that motorcycles and motorsports were an important part of Bermudian culture and that a “large part” of the public had an appreciation and respected and supported the sport.

Mr Alves added: “We would like to remind everyone to respect public roads and spaces where it is illegal to ride recreational motorsports vehicles.

“If you truly love the sport and want to show off your talent, we have the facilities available where you can pursue your passion in a safe and supportive environment.

“We are always looking to encourage and support our talented Bermudian riders, but it must be done in the right way.”

Takara Dill, the president of the Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Club, said bike enthusiasts could take part in events at Motor Sports Park at Southside in St David’s.

She added: “That facility has been purpose-built for motor enthusiasts to express themselves with their riding skills.”

Ms Dill said that the safety of the public was the club’s primary concern. Dennis Lister III, the chairman of the Bermuda Road Safety Council, said that the viewpoints of the island’s riding clubs were important.

He added: “These are stakeholders that feel that they have some knowledge to impart to our road users that can help them in their everyday use on our roadways.”

Dennis Lister III, the chairman of the Bermuda Road Safety Council, speaks at a press conference on males riding on motorcycles irresponsibly (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)
Motorcycle organisation leaders address reckless riding in tandem with police (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)