By EMILY ROBINSON
A dirt-bike rider allegedly ran down a 65-year-old man on a Norlane footpath late Wednesday night, police said yesterday.
The hit-run put the victim in hospital with fractured ribs and extensive grazing, Leading Senior Constable Shane Dignan said.
Police received reports of two dirt bikes “hooning in the Norlane area” before the 11.30pm incident, he said.
Ld Sen Const Dignan believed the bikes were travelling along Waitara Grove near Alkira Avenue before hitting the man.
“One of these dirt bikes left the road, crossed the naturestrip and struck the pedestrian.
“It’s a hit-and-run – they’ve just taken off.”
A resident across the road called triple-zero (000) after the incident, Ld Sen Const Dignan said.
“We’ve been up there this morning and conducted a door-knock and have received a positive response from some neighbours.”
Police spoke with the victim yesterday morning.
“He didn’t see if the bikes were registered or not,” Ld Sen Const Dignan said.
“This man was hit by what we believe is a large motorbike, it could have been a lot worse.
“We need witnesses. If people heard or saw the bikes on Wednesday night, please give us a call.”
Illegal motorbike-riding was a “big problem” in Geelong, Ld Sen Const Dignan said.
“We have constant reports of people on dirt-bikes and monkey bikes who just hoon around as they please.”
The riders were young people “most of the time”, Ld Sen Const Dignan said.
“They wear helmets but I think that’s so we can’t recognise them.”
Ld Sen Const Dignan said the illegal riders could be difficult to aprehend.
“We actively enforce it. We have our own dirt-bikes and they’re out there all the time.
“But they know all the shortcuts, they go onto footpaths and into reserves and places where police cars can’t go.”
Anyone with information about Wednesday night’s hit-run can phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
