For many residents of Mount Dandenong, life has always been peaceful and tranquil. The winding roads, stunning views, and quiet surroundings are part of the charm of living in the Dandenong Ranges – however, for some, this peaceful lifestyle is being disrupted by speeding motorcyclists treating local roads like their personal racetrack.
One such resident, George Wills, has lived in the area for 45 years and has witnessed the increasing problem firsthand.
Living near the corner of Mt Dandenong Road and Ridge Road in Olinda, Mr Wills and his wife have become accustomed to the sounds of motorbikes speeding past their home.
What was once a quiet, serene area is now frequently interrupted by the noise and danger of high-speed riders.
“It’s not just one motorbike,” Mr Wills said.
“It’s several, often riding together, travelling at double the speed limit, and it happens almost every Sunday. The noise can be deafening, and the speed – it’s worrying.”
He recalls one particularly alarming incident when a motorcyclist came speeding around a corner, his knee nearly scraping the road. The rider’s speed was so extreme, it looked like he was in a race. While Mr Wills was impressed by his skill, he was equally terrified by the danger it posed.
“He must’ve been going over 100 km/h on a 60 km/h road,” he said.
“It’s become a real safety concern. What if someone driving is distracted by a motorcycle zooming around a corner? It could lead to an accident.”
Over the past two decades, Mr Wills has noticed an increase in the number of motorcyclists using these roads as their personal speedway. While some might enjoy the noise and the thrill of fast riding, Mr Wills sees it as an intrusion on the peaceful, semi-rural life he and his wife came to enjoy.
“It’s just not what it used to be. This was a quiet, serene place to live, and now it feels invaded,” he said.
“Motorcycles roaring past at top speed – it’s invasive.”
Mr Wills believes the introduction of CCTV cameras could help address the issue.
“If there were cameras here, riders would know they couldn’t get away with it. It might not solve everything, but it would make a difference. People might slow down if they know they’re being watched,” he said.
However, the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) has not received any requests from the Yarra Ranges Council to install CCTV cameras in the area. Road safety camera locations are determined by the Road Safety Camera Site Selection Committee, chaired by Victoria Police, with input from the Department of Transport and Planning and DJCS. The committee considers factors like crash history, road type, site suitability, and accident risk when selecting camera locations.
According to the DJCS committee, no submissions have been made for a road safety camera to be installed at Ridge Road, Olinda. Further details about how camera locations are chosen can be found on the Victoria government website.
The lack of footpaths in the area adds to Mr Wills’ concerns.
He’s asking the local council to consider installing safer walking paths along Ridge Road to protect pedestrians from the hazards of traffic.
“It’s risky even to walk down to the shops,” Mr Wills said. “There are no footpaths, and with all the motorbikes, it’s unsafe.”
Yarra Ranges Council has been contacted for comment.
For now, Mr Wills’ plea is simple – he wants to protect the peaceful life he’s enjoyed for so many years. He urges local authorities to consider measures like speed cameras or footpaths to make the area safer for everyone.
“I just want the Dandenongs to stay the peaceful place it’s always been – it’s not much to ask,” he said.
As the number of motorcyclists continues to grow in the region, local residents like Mr Wills are left hoping that their concerns will be heard, and that the safety of the community can be protected in a way that preserves the quiet charm of the Dandenongs.
