On Monday 4 May, a ten-year-old was hit by a teenager on an e-bike on Jubilee Avenue, Mullumbimby near the Mullumbimby Pool.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks ‘of unlicensed kids riding mini-motorbikes and e-bikes,’ said the parents of the child who was hit.
‘Everyone we’ve talked to seems to have the same belief, that it is only a matter of time before there is a much worse incident in Mullum due to the e-bike gangs and lack of general respect for road rules and self-responsibility.’
It is understood that police knew who the rider was and went straight to the teenager’s place and confiscated the bike.
‘This teenager had been riding around dangerously for at least a week on this bike. Surely the police should have taken action before the incident. They seem to be overlooking the dangerous behaviour of these teenagers and kids.
‘These kids are getting motorised bikes with no training, there is a resulting lack of safety – they need training wheels and number plates!’
The parents said they recognised that there are sometimes ‘underlying issues’ with these young people and their families. ‘We believe that as a community we can address this in a way that creates a more supportive environment for local youth and the parents of these young people,’ they told The Echo.
Community consultation
‘We need to build up our young people to have more opportunities and choices available to them. This is what will create a strong community moving forward. Where are the responsible men in our community stepping up to create positive role models like The Uncle Project? Why are programs like The Uncle Project not funded and valued as community services by our state and federal governments?
‘We need community consultation, feedback from youth, parents, and concerned community members who want to voice their opinion and come up with ways to support our community.’
The parents have written to all their local councillors asking for action on this issue but were yet to hear back from any of them by the time The Echo went to print.
The parents highlighted the need for greater support in Mullumbimby for young people with a place like Byron’s Youth Activity Centre that could connect young people, provide workshops,have mental health out-reach, as well as a venue for functions. They also raised the fact that there is limited access to affordable public transport in the region.
‘We’d love to see representatives from the local high schools, Byron Police, Mullum Neighbourhood Centre, Social Futures, The Byron YAC, and other groups who could contribute to this conversation at a meeting in Mullum, soon…’
The ten-year-old was not seriously hurt but is still dealing with their wounds and the shock of the incident.
Police update
Yesterday NSW Police provided an update on the case, saying, ‘An investigation continues after a crash involving a motorcycle and pedestrian on Jubilee Avenue, Mullumbimby. The rider left the scene prior to police arrival.
‘The pedestrian, a 10-year-old girl, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital for treatment. Following inquiries, police have spoken with a 14-year-old boy who is assisting with inquiries, and a motorcycle has been seized.
‘Inquiries are ongoing.’
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