WARNINGS HAVE BEEN issued to parents who intend to get their children scrambler or quad bikes for Christmas this year.
There have been a number of injuries and fatalities linked to these vehicles in recent years, leading to South Dublin County Council (SDCC) issuing guidelines to those thinking of buying the bikes.
A statement from the SDCC said a number of people are using quads and scramblers in “an inappropriate manner” in urban towns and cities, leading to dangerous incidents.
Unless the bike has been registered, taxed, insured and brought up to the correct standard, it is illegal for it to be used on the public road. It is also illegal to use these bikes in public parks and open spaces.
The issue of the illegal use of quad and scrambler bikes was brought up at a recent Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting in south Dublin and they agreed that it was necessary to educate those who are using them about the laws and dangers associated with the bikes.
Councillor Deirdre O’Donovan said: “Scramblers and quad bikes are an issue that communities have been struggling with for a number of years. We need to educate parents of the dangers of their children using these bikes.
We have had too many tragedies and parents need to be aware of the legal responsibilities especially as we approach Christmas.
Leroy Coyle, 19, died in a scrambler crash on Christmas Day in 2013. The incident happened on the Ballybough Road near Croke Park. Last year, Warren Kenny, 16, died on Christmas Day after the scrambler he got as a present was involved in a crash in Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot, west Dublin.
Illegal
Gardaí, SDCC and Motorcycling Ireland are launching an awareness campaign about the correct use of the bikes. This campaign is requesting parents who are considering buying these bikes as a present to make sure that they are informed about them.
President of Motorcycling Ireland, Sean Bissett, said: ‘There are affiliated clubs all over Ireland who can provide guidance and advice for beginners. The resources are there for people to enter this sport in a safe and responsible way and we encourage all riders to contact their club and learn how to partake in this sport correctly.’
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