Dangerous stunts have been on the rise by motorcyclists in Nanaimo over the years, and RCMP is looking to crack down on the riders.
An alarming increase has been seen in motorcycles drivers operating in dangerous and reckless manners on roads and streets in Nanaimo like performing wheelies and often being posted on social media platforms.
104 incidents have been reported so far in 2024, with slight increases each year from 73 in 2023, and 50 in 2022.
Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said riders often wear full face shields and have no license on the bike making it difficult for RCMP to identify a suspect.
“In one incident alone, an officer witnessed a motorcyclist near the University Heights Mall stunting and driving recklessly. It also appeared to the officer that the rider was trying to bait the officer in to pursuing the bike.”
Numerous reports say drivers of up to three people will drive on the wrong side of roads towards oncoming traffic, driving at night with no lights on, cutting in and out of traffic, and driving on sidewalks at high speeds disregarding pedestrians.
Most reports occur early in the evening near Harewood around University Village, Cinnabar near the Southgate Mall, Country Club Mall, and the Departure Bay area.
RCMP believe the suspects are men ranging from ages of 16 to early 20’s on bikes not licensed for roadways.
O’Brien said fines can range anywhere from $196 to $598 and could result in criminal code charges if egregious enough.
“Based on what has been reported and sometimes witnessed by our officers, it is only a manner of time before someone is seriously injured or killed.”
The bikes are high performance off-road dirt bikes, with many of the drivers wearing full face shields and bright multi-coloured jackets.
The suspect pool is narrowing according to O’Brien, and anyone with information on the many incidents is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP.
