Man knocked unconscious by bike rider

An 87-year-old great-grandfather was taken to hospital late last month, after a trail bike mounted a footpath close to Rockingham Shopping Centre and knocked him unconscious.

George Lakeman was taken to hospital shortly after 10.30am on Wednesday, June 25, after a young rider shot down Council Avenue “like a rocket” and knocked him down.

Mr Lakeman said he had been walking to a newsagent close by to get his morning newspaper when he was suddenly hit.

He said he regained consciousness minutes after the incident, surrounded by concerned passersby, but the alleged assailant had already fled, leaving him with cuts to the face, bruising and severe pain in his side.

“This has been an ongoing problem since we moved here 14 years ago. It’s getting much worse recently,” Mr Lakeman said.

“It’s any time of the day or night.

I had seen this particular bike before flying down the lane behind our house.”

Doreen Lakeman said she contacted City of Rockingham officials in 2012 requesting that metal gates be installed to minimise the risk to neighbourhood seniors.

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the irresponsible use of trail bikes, dirt bikes and off road vehicles was an issue of public safety and a nuisance to residents and landowners.

Cr Sammels said the installation of gates was not possible because lanes needed to be accessible for seniors using gophers and electric wheelchairs.

“The City’s Ranger Services department works closely with the WA Police, Department of Environment and Conservation and community groups to address the issues of residents in relation to the use of all types of off-road vehicles,” he said.