No more monkey

POLICE are urging monkey bikers to take their business off the road or risk being charged with traffic offences.
Leading Senior Constable Simon Kelly, of Cardinia’s Traffic Management Unit, said police would be cracking down on those who rode the miniature motorcycles.
“Often people riding them don’t have licences and have little experience,” he said.
“It’s a recipe for disaster.”
Monkey bikes, which typically can reach speeds of 70km/h, are popular in Cardinia Shire, particularly Pakenham, with police receiving daily complaints about people riding them.
It is illegal to use the bikes on public roads and footpaths in Victoria.
Sergeant Nigel Atkins said people caught riding monkey bikes on roads in Cardinia could expect to be charged with driving an unregistered vehicle and driving without a licence. Leading Sen Const Kelly said those who stacked one could find themselves in financial trouble.
“Because it’s illegal (to ride) on the road they can’t be registered,” he said.
“If they have a crash and they injure themselves or someone else they don’t have TAC coverage.
“One person seriously injured in a crash could be up for $700,000 (in medical bills).
“Can these kids afford that type of money?”
Sgt Atkins said most monkey bikers were teenage boys. He urged parents to take more responsibility for their children’s riding habits.
“Parents should be saying, ‘where are you going with that bike?’ ”
Monkey bike riders often prove elusive for police but one was intercepted on Thursday.
Police cautioned the rider, a Pakenham man.