Police 'disappointed' by behaviour at mass Auckland bike ride
Police say they’re “disappointed” with behaviour at a mass bike ride involving about 40 cyclists on Auckland’s North Shore, taking enforcement action against some riders.
Footage supplied to the Herald shows a large police presence as cyclists travelled through the North Shore on Saturday.
Waitematā East area commander Inspector Aron McKeown said police maintained a visible presence during the planned ride.
“Where offences could be safely addressed at the time, enforcement action was taken,” McKeown said.
“Where this was not possible, Police will investigate offending for subsequent enforcement action.”
Footage supplied to the Herald shows a large police presence as cyclists travelled through the North Shore.
McKeown said police were disappointed with the behaviour of some people involved.
Police confirmed today that the “disappointing” behaviour was related to “road safety, compliance and disruptive behaviour”.
Infringements were issued for multiple helmet offences, excess speed and other vehicle-related offences for those supporting the event, police confirmed.
“We do not condone events where antisocial road behaviour is displayed, and we are disappointed with the behaviour of some involved.
“We want to remind the public that roads are a shared space, and the road rules are there to keep everyone safe.”
The ride comes after previous Tour De Hoods events in Auckland attracted police attention.
In May, police arrested four people and issued 53 infringement notices following a Tour De Hoods ride in West Auckland.
Tour De Hoods at an earlier gathering in Onehunga in May. Photo / Dean Purcell
Police said at the time they did not consider the riders to be a gang and stressed the rides themselves were not illegal.
“The rides themselves are not illegal. What’s illegal are the activities of some of the individuals who take part in the rides,” Inspector Wayne Kitcher said at the time.
Tour De Hoods organiser Kimami Ngaluafe previously told the Herald the rides were intended to bring communities together and provide a positive outlet for young people.
“It’s sad to see that we are viewed as a gang by the public,” he said.
“The appearance of the riders can be misleading.”
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