Belfast Proposes Dedicated Scrambler Site to Combat Community Risks

The Deputy Mayor of Belfast, **Paul Doherty**, has called for the establishment of a dedicated site for scrambler motorcycles in the city. This initiative aims to address dangerous and illegal activities linked to scrambler use, which have resulted in injuries and damage to public spaces. During a Belfast City Council committee meeting at City Hall, elected members approved a motion urging a feasibility study to assess the viability of such a site.

The motion highlights the significant risks and community concerns associated with reckless scrambler use throughout Belfast. Incidents involving these vehicles have endangered lives and damaged public areas, negatively impacting community wellbeing.

Initiative for Change

Council officers are tasked with identifying potential locations for a scrambler programme aimed at redirecting young individuals away from criminal behavior. The initiative seeks to rehabilitate those involved with scramblers by offering vocational training and creating a safe environment. This plan encompasses a land audit of council-owned properties to evaluate their suitability, as well as collaboration with various stakeholders, including relevant Stormont departments, the **Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)**, youth organizations, and training providers.

At the People and Communities Committee meeting, Doherty emphasized the urgency of the situation. He stated, “Illegal and reckless scrambler use is putting lives at risk, damaging our parks and pitches and wreaking havoc in communities. This is not a minor nuisance; it is a persistent city-wide problem.” According to police data, there have been over **1,300 scrambler-related incidents** reported, with some days witnessing as many as three incidents.

Doherty referenced the tragic case of **Valerie Armstrong**, a 35-year-old mother who was killed in 2016 after being struck by a scrambler while walking her dog in the **Colin Glen** area of West Belfast. He noted the ongoing campaign by her family has kept the issue at the forefront. “We owe it to them and every family that has experienced issues with scramblers in the community to take some form of meaningful action,” he stated.

Proven Solutions

The Deputy Mayor acknowledged that while community campaigns and police operations have raised awareness and reduced harm, mere condemnation is insufficient. He expressed the need for tangible solutions that protect lives and provide young people with alternatives to illegal scrambler use.

Doherty believes a dedicated space for scrambler bikes could significantly alleviate the problem. “We have already seen what’s possible. In **Newtownabbey**, a motorcycle awareness project cut scrambler incidents by over **90 percent**, offering training, maintenance skills, and supervised riding,” he said. Similar pilot programs in West Belfast have successfully helped young people turn their lives around through apprenticeships and education.

Sinn Féin Councillor **Micheal Donnelly** added that the feasibility study must address several critical issues, including insurance, liability, and safe transport to and from the site. He emphasized that this is a significant issue affecting all communities and poses risks to both the public and those on scramblers.

As the feasibility study progresses, local residents are expected to play a crucial role as key stakeholders in this potential initiative. The outcomes of the study will provide insights into how best to tackle the scrambler problem and enhance community safety.