Stunt rider charged over bridge trick

A stunt rider who rode a motorbike over the Fairfield Bridge arches in Hamilton has been charged with dangerous driving.

Mormon Few Stunt Crew rider Jonathon Bennett, 24, featured in a YouTube video as he rode a 250cc trial bike over the 70cm wide arches. The footage was withdrawn after interest from the Waikato Times.

Hamilton police Sergeant Phil Ruddell said it was clear reviewing the footage that "motor vehicles were driving across the bridge at the time the rider was on the arches and it clearly shows people walking underneath the arches on the footpath".

Mr Ruddell said a large part of stunt activity was the logistics and planning and mitigating the risks to members of the public.

"Clearly, this was not done," he said.

Mr Bennett disagreed he put lives in danger.

"Do I agree with the dangerous driving charge? No."

He said he would consider his options but wouldn't confirm if he would fight the charge.

"I probably think it's a bit overblown. I would say it's more of (police) making an example (of me) ... I'm not sure about fighting the charge but I will take things as they come."

He denied there were any pedestrians but admitted a few cars drove past but said his crew tried to secure the scene. He had one person below him the whole time to ensure there was nobody else beneath.

Meanwhile, Waikato Times editor Bryce Johns said Mr Bennett, who reviews motorbikes for the paper, would continue to write.

Mr Johns said he had spoken to motorbike dealers and while all concerned, including the paper, deplored dangerous acts, they felt Mr Bennett's reviewing was separate to his private actions on his own bikes.

- © Fairfax NZ News