Dear fellow Australian , yesterday I was nearly bowled over on a footpath near my local train station in Sydney by a kid riding a bike at a very fast speed doing a wheelie .. I'm writing this petition because I've had enough of seeing things like this ! Recently my friend was hit by an E- biker who flew out of nowhere - also speeding . As a community, we share our public spaces, and it's imperative to ensure the safety of everyone who uses them. The surge in popularity of bicycles and E-bikes offers countless benefits, from reduced carbon emissions to congestion relief. However, the lack of accountability for negligent riding poses a real threat to pedestrian safety , and the safety of vehicles on the roads . 

In Australia, the rise of bicycle and E-bike use is evident, with more people opting for these eco-friendly modes of transport. Unfortunately, this increase has also seen a corresponding rise in dangerous riding practices. Reckless riding not only endangers the riders themselves but also pedestrians who have no protective barriers. Most children who ride are unsupervised , many riding at ridiculous speeds with total disregard for safety regulations , themselves , the other person on their bike ( if riding tandem ) ,or others .

Currently, Australian laws regarding negligent cycling are too lenient to serve as an effective deterrent. It's time for policymakers to take a firmer stand. By imposing stricter fines and sanctions for reckless activity, we can foster a safer environment for all. Other countries have successfully implemented harsher penalties and seen a decrease in bicycle-related incidents; it is prudent for Australia to follow suit.

Let's urge our state government bodies to recognize this growing threat and address it by reinforcing existing laws with more severe penalties. Our public pathways  should be sanctuaries of safety, not stress and drivers of vehicles should not have to dodge bike riders who are riding recklessly ! Bicycle riders must understand the gravity of their actions and the potential consequences on those around them.

Join us in calling for change. Supporting this petition can help push for government reforms that create tougher fines and enforce responsible riding laws. We need signage around train stations and shops that display the rules and the fine amounts . I believe it would also be good if police could attend schools once a year to give a talk about road safety,  bike use , the rules and the fines . A person of any age can ride a bike recklessly, however from what I see in my day to day travels it's mostly kids who are causing the problems . Its school holidays at the moment and I tried to drive into my street today . There were 6 kids on bikes just meandering all over the road , many riding in the direction of on- coming traffic . I tried to warn them of the danger of riding on the wrong side of the road , they didn't seem to care . This was not in a quiet back street , it was on a fairly busy road . I had to beep for them to move so I could turn into my street. I had encounters two days in a row with annoying bike riders , I can only imagine the stories of others in my neighbourhood ..Australia needs urgent change regarding this issue . Please sign my petition and share it if you also see this as a huge concern in your suburb and city , thankyou Jane Williams .