Police in Nanaimo are cracking down on reports of stunting, where mainly young men are using a variety of motorcycles in reckless and dangerous fashion. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

dangerous driving

‘Absolutely ridiculous:’ Nanaimo police charge six for motorcycle ‘stunting’

Mar 6, 2025 | 9:41 AM

NANAIMO — RCMP officers are cracking down on “stunting”.

Local Mounties say they charged six different people in January alone under the Motor Vehicle Act for a range of dangerous driving-related incidents involving people riding motorcycles at high speeds and in an unsafe manner.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW this involved the practice known as “stunting”, which can endanger more than just the rider.

“We had predominantly young men, driving motorcycles in a dangerous manner. Too aggressive, sometimes on the sidewalk, driving towards traffic without helmets, pulling wheelies…absolutely ridiculous and putting themselves at risk, putting the motoring public and pedestrians at risk.”

Charges came against two youth and four adults ranging in age from 16 to 29 years old, for infractions like driving without due care, failing to stop for a red light and operating a motorcycle while not on a seat.

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O’Brien said it was an extensive investigation after a spike in reports began last fall, involving a range of different types of motorcycles.

Police said in September they had 104 reported incidents in 2024, up from 73 in 2023 and 50 in 2022. Many occurred in the early evening hours at a range of locations, including Southgate, University Village, Country Club and Departure Bay.

O’Brien also said showing off on social media is likely behind some of the stunting.

“A lot of these people were filming themselves, bragging on their TikTok accounts, blatantly disregarding the rules of the road. They certainly had a wake-up call when the officers knocked on the door, though.”

The investigation remains open, with more charges potentially to come as information is submitted.

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by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

‘Absolutely ridiculous:’ Nanaimo police charge six for motorcycle ‘stunting’

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