Found this article in THE AGE online. What can I say but finially the wankers on the Hell Ride are well and truely ruining this ride for all. Stop be such dickheads and magnets for trouble.
What a great use of police resorces Vic police. Lets use a million dollar device to monitor 200 cyclists on a Saturday morning bunch ride. The helicopter should be out catching some real bad guys. Whats the latest add say "putting the pinch on crime"!!!!! nice one lads!
Chopper squad to monitor Hell Ride
July 10, 2007 - 1:00PM
Melbourne's notorious Hell Ride cycle route will come under increased scrutiny by a Victoria Police "eye in the sky".
From Saturday, a police helicopter will monitor the unofficial ride, which attracts hundreds of cyclists who race up to 40 km through the city's bayside suburbs, from Black Rock to Mount Eliza, at speeds of up to 60 km/h.
The additional Air Wing patrol follows an incident last August when one Hell Ride cyclist hit a pedestrian trying to cross at pedestrian lights on Beach Road, Mentone.
James Gould, 77, later died from his injuries.
The cyclist has been charged with failing to stop at a red light - which carries a maximum $215 fine.
Victoria Police State Bicycle Coordinator Arty Lavos said the aerial patrol was a way to proactively monitor the cycle route and would relay any traffic breaches to police following the event on the ground.
"The use of the police Air Wing gives us a broader perspective on how the cyclists are travelling collectively and potentially puts a stop to any problems before they occur," Acting Sergeant Lavos said.
"The Hell Ride has gained a certain level of notoriety in past years and the use of the Air Wing reinforces Victoria Police's commitment to road safety along this route.
"However it is also the responsibility of all road users - both cyclists and motorists - to obey the road rules at all times and show consideration for others who are travelling the same route.
"The small percentage of people who choose to disregard this will be dealt with by police.
"And with the Air Wing in operation, there is no chance that you won't be caught."
Acting Sgt Lavos said the number of cyclists taking part in the ride traditionally dropped off during winter but the most recent survey count revealed up to 8,000 riders in over 200 significant bunches.
Police would target a range of offences from penalty notices through to other serious offences regarding the conduct of road users, Acting Sgt Lavos said.
The first patrol on Saturday will operate between 7am and 8.30am (AEST) with other patrols scheduled for July 21 and August 4.
Care of THE AGE
I say get the police out there in the bunches on bikes to experience riding on Beach Road and furthermore make Beach Road a clear way on Saturday mornings
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