Under Aged Boys On Motorbikes Spat On Woman On Fernleigh Track

28 October 2024

On Wednesday, 23 October 2024, a woman cycling along the popular Fernleigh Track near Whitebridge reported a disturbing encounter with two motorcyclists allegedly riding recklessly on the pathway. After she reportedly asked them to leave, one of the riders allegedly spat at her before they sped away. Not long after, the same pair allegedly harassed a group of women and a male cyclist on the track, prompting an immediate investigation by Lake Macquarie Police.

The following day, the woman contacted Lake Macquarie Police District, who launched an inquiry into the incident. Police were quick to identify potential suspects, and on Friday, 25 October, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Whitebridge. Officers seized two motorbikes and additional riding gear, which are now undergoing forensic examination.

Police inquiries led them back to the Whitebridge residence on Saturday, 26 October, where two boys, aged 12 and 14, were interviewed. The boys were reportedly dealt with under the Young Offenders Act, allowing police to issue cautions or warnings rather than pursuing formal charges. Investigations continue as police aim to address other reports of dangerous motorbike activity along the Fernleigh Track and across the Lake Macquarie area.

This incident is the latest in a series of reports involving motorbikes unlawfully entering pedestrian and cyclist-only spaces on the Fernleigh Track. The track has seen previous concerns over similar issues, including multiple incidents in recent years where motorcyclists have endangered walkers and cyclists, sparking calls for increased surveillance and patrols.

With community frustration mounting, Lake Macquarie Police continue their efforts to curb such offences, reminding residents that the Fernleigh Track is strictly designated for pedestrians and cyclists. Authorities urge the public to report any further sightings of unauthorised motorbikes on the track as part of ongoing efforts to ensure safety for all users.