Motorbike operator issued tickets, has bike impounded

An attempted traffic stop of a motorbike in West Kelowna eventually resulted in the bike being impounded for seven days.

A West Kelowna RCMP officer was patrolling Shannon Lake Road and Tallus Ridge Road on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 20 when they observed a Honda CBR 1000 motorcycle that was reported to have expired insurance.

The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop when the bike rider sped away from the scene, reportedly hitting speeds of 100 km/h in the 50 km/h zone.

For safety reasons, the officer ended the pursuit at that time, but attended the registered owner’s address in West Kelowna and observed a Ford Escape leaving the residence.

The Mountie conducted a vehicle stop and spoke with the driver, identified as the wife of the motorbike owner who was on her way to pick up her husband.

“The officer received information that the motorcycle was found parked and the rider seen running away,” Const. Mike Della-Paolera said. “Officers attended Stone Grove Cres. and located the motorcycle parked on the street. The officer met with the owner who admitted to being the driver who fled.”

The operator was issued several tickets under the Motor Vehicle Act including excessive speed, no insurance, fail to stop for police and the bike was impounded for seven days.

“Riding a motorcycle or any other motor vehicle at high speeds in a residential neighbourhood is not only dangerous to the operator, but to the public. If caught, you will lose your vehicle and certainly be fined, it’s not worth the risk” Della-Paolera, media relations officer for the Kelowna RCMP Regional Detachment, said.