Melbourne Food Delivery Riders Targeted in Police Crackdown

Hundreds of food delivery riders in Melbourne have been put on notice as police ramp up efforts to curb dangerous behaviour on the city's streets.

Since the beginning of June, Operation Pathfinder has resulted in 289 fines being issued to riders of e-bikes, e-scooters, motor scooters, bicycles and motorcycles for a range of traffic offences.

In a single evening this week, 37 infringements were handed out in just a few hours, with common offences including riding on footpaths, running red lights, and using mobile phones while riding.

Police also arrested a 28-year-old Carlton man after he allegedly tried to flee when approached on Swanston Street for not wearing a helmet. Officers say the man refused to provide his details, ditched his bike, and ran before being caught and arrested. He is expected to be charged with traffic offences and resisting police.

Operation Pathfinder was launched in response to growing concerns about dangerous rider behaviour, particularly during busy food delivery hours. Police have been targeting high-traffic areas such as Little Bourke Street, Bourke Street, and Flinders Street during peak periods.

Most Common Offences and Fines:

• Riding on the footpath (over age 12): $198
• Driving on the wrong side of the road: $395
• Using a mobile phone while riding: $593
• Running a red light: $494

Uniformed officers, supported by the Melbourne Highway Patrol, are also using the operation as an opportunity to educate riders and other road users about safety and legal obligations.

Police say the crackdown comes amid a rise in collisions involving micro-mobility vehicles. In the first half of this year alone, 29 e-bike and 18 motor scooter collisions were recorded in Melbourne-double the number seen in the last six months of 2024. So far in 2025, there have been 284 collisions involving bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, and motor scooters in the city.

Senior Sergeant Tania Connolly from Melbourne East Police said:

"Peak hour in the city is busy, with lots of pedestrians and traffic. E-bike riders zipping along footpaths or disobeying road rules are a serious risk.

"We understand more people are using e-bikes and scooters to get around, but they need to ensure their devices are compliant and that they understand the rules.

"Our message is simple: be patient, be safe, and look out for others on the road."