Long Reef Golf Club ramps up security after course invasion by e-bike riders
Long Reef Golf Club is installing CCTV cameras and increasing security following a series of course invasions by e-bikes riders.
About 12.15pm on 16 January, officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were called to the Collaroy golf club following reports that dozens of ‘young people’ were riding e-bikes across the greens. However, the young people had left the scene before police arrived.
Club general manager Ben Russell told PL that the incident involved over 60 teenagers and ‘caused significant disruption to golfers and course operations,’ though the damage was limited in that instance.
“This incident is not isolated,” Mr Russell said. “Over the past 12 months, the club has experienced an increasing number of vandalism events involving e-bikes entering the course after hours, skidding on greens and fairways, and damaging maintained turf areas.
“The frequency and scale of these incidents have now reached a point where intervention is unavoidable.”
Repairing the damage caused by vandalism was costly and the club was in the process of installing mobile CCTV camera towers around the course and increasing security patrols as a deterrent.
The incident, along with reports of ‘reckless riding’ in Manly in the same week, prompted Independent Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps to plead with NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley to take action on e-bike safety.
“Minister Catley has failed to act effectively on the growing and well-documented dangers posed by unlicensed riders on illegal e-bikes,” Dr Scamps said. “I believe Minister Catley has shown little urgency and has been dismissive of genuine and widespread community concern.”
Dr Scamps introduced a Safer E-Bikes Bill in 2025 and said she had been ‘pushing hard for stronger importation rules and e-bike safety standards.’ She welcomed the announcement that the Federal Government would adopt her recommendations to limit e-bikes to 25km/h, cap power at 250 watts, and introduce anti-tampering requirements.
“Let’s be clear: e-bikes that do not require pedalling are motor vehicles. They should be registered, insured and ridden only by licensed riders,” Dr Scamps said. “When they are used illegally, there is no third-party insurance. If someone is seriously injured, they can be left without cover for medical costs and exposed to costly legal and financial consequences.
“This is happening now. We need urgent, coordinated action, enforcement and regulation before another child or pedestrian is killed. Our kids and community deserve better.”
Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby said she was ‘shocked’ when she saw videos of the e-bikes on the public golf course. “It is unacceptable to trespass, and this behaviour was inconsiderate and disrespectful to both the public and public property.
“My draft e-bike bill includes better education for young riders, a licensing scheme and enhanced enforcement powers. If adopted by the government, each of these initiatives would work well towards avoiding situations like this again.”
Mr Russell said the club was ‘working closely with police’ on the issue.
