Two arrested after e-bikes driven wrong way on West Link dual carriageway in Belfast

A 17-year-old and a 20-year-old were arrested after three Sur-Ron style e-bikes were ridden dangerously in west Belfast, with two riders travelling against traffic on the West Link.

Two e-bike riders arrested after wrong-way journey on Belfast's West Link

Two people are in police custody after a pair of e-bike riders travelled against the flow of traffic on the West Link dual carriageway in Belfast on Saturday night, TheJournal.ie reports.

PSNI Superintendent Mark Conway said officers were alerted at around 8.45pm to three Sur-Ron style electric bikes being ridden dangerously and at high speed in the west Belfast area. A stinger device was deployed on all three bikes.

One of the e-bikes was abandoned at the scene, but the two remaining riders continued at speed towards Belfast city centre and onto the West Link, travelling in the direction of the city. When one rider came off their bike, they were picked up as a passenger by the second rider, and both continued travelling against oncoming traffic on the same machine.

Officers were able to bring the e-bike to a stop without further incident. The West Link was closed for a period to allow emergency services to carry out collision procedures, and was reopened in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A 17-year-old male and a 20-year-old man have both been arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle-taking in which a vehicle is driven dangerously. The 20-year-old faces additional suspicions including causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving, carrying an unauthorised passenger on a motor bicycle, failing to stop for police, and using a motor vehicle without insurance. Both were taken to hospital for precautionary assessment and remain in police custody.

Superintendent Conway said the "actions of our officers last night no doubt prevented further immediate danger to road-users and avoided what could have been another potential tragedy on our roads."

He was unequivocal on the broader issue: "Electric bikes are not for use on public roads, and our officers will continue to take a proactive approach towards the illegal and dangerous use of e-bikes." Conway added that officers will use their powers to seize illegal vehicles being used on roads and public places where appropriate.

"These vehicles can pose a significant risk to riders, pedestrians and other road-users, particularly when they are being ridden dangerously and at excessive speeds," he said, warning that "dangerous or reckless use of e-bikes on public roads will be dealt with robustly."

The PSNI has appealed for information in relation to Saturday night's incident. Members of the public can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

Source: TheJournal.ie