'Do It Right' message on Quad & Scrambler usage this Christmas.

South Dublin County Council begins the screening of their bike safety advert, as part of a public awareness campaign, that highlights the responsible use of quads and scramblers within a supervised environment.

The campaign will include an advert featuring motocross rider Stuart Edmonds. The advert outlines the correct environment, and care to be taken when riding these vehicles, and will be screened in IMC Tallaght and VUE Cinema Liffey Valley from Friday 13th December.

 In the last number of years there has been a noticeable increase in the number of quads and scrambler bikes being used in an inappropriate manner within the urban environment. However, 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.

If parents are purchasing a quad, or scrambler, for their children this Christmas then the simple advice is to get them using it in a responsible, and safer, way by accessing the services offered by some of the local clubs, such as: Dublin City Motor Cross Club; North Dublin Motor Cross Club and Mulhudart Motor Cross Club. Further information on the resources available to budding competitors can be sourced from the Motor Cycling Ireland – the governing body for motor cycling sport in Ireland.

Motor Cross is a growing sport in Ireland with Motor Cycling Ireland having over 700 registered license holders on their books. Jake Sheridan is a shining example to what can be achieved when young riders ‘Do It Right’ and stay on the track. Jake is only 22 years of age and already the current grade A 2500cc champion for 2019, a previous European U21 champion in 2018, has competed in a World Championship and has plans to compete in four more during 2020.

President of Motorcycling Ireland, Mr. Sean Bissett, encouraged young riders to use the resources that are provided for them through MCI and 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.’

Mr. Ally Menary, Road Safety Officer, South Dublin County Council said: “It is important to stress that scramblers and quad bikes are not appropriate for use within estates and public parks. I strongly encourage those to use their bike in a responsible manner by accessing the services on offer by MCI where young riders can gain expert advice and get more out of their experience on the bike