RCMP warn against use of dirt bikes on public roads

ST. ALBERT -- RCMP are warning against the use of electric dirt bikes on public roads after a serious crash in St. Albert.

According to the Mounties, the crash occurred on August 27th on Akins Drive, between Alpine Boulevard and Amherst Crescent. It's reported that a 16-year-old youth slammed into the side of a Ford Bronco S-U-V with enough force to shatter the passenger side window and deploy the side airbags. He suffered serious injuries to his face and was taken to hospital as a result.

"Initial statements indicate that the Ford Bronco was travelling southbound on Akins Drive when the driver observed a sudden flash, then heard and felt an impact," reads a statement from RCMP. "The crash was loud enough to be heard inside nearby homes. The SUV driver stopped and located the injured rider lying on the ground nearby."

Police note that a second youth was riding with the injured rider on another electric dirt bike but fled prior to police arrival. The initial youth (who cannot be named) faces violation tickets totaling nearly $1,400 in fines as a result of the collision investigation.

"Our detachment has received numerous ongoing complaints regarding electric dirt bikes since early spring. We have been and will continue to conduct numerous focused enforcement and education operations to interdict these riders, yet they continue to be seen across the city. The young rider in this case is very lucky his injuries weren’t worse," said Cpl. Curtis Harsulla. "These are not e-bikes. They don’t have pedals and they travel at much higher and dangerous speeds."

Issues involving the use of electric dirt bikes on public roads continue to be an issue across multiple police jurisdictions across the local region. RCMP are now reminding the public that the use of electric dirt bikes within municipal limits and any public roadway in Alberta is illegal and dangerous.