Children as young as seven are using scrambler bikes in some Irish housing estates.
The Government is planning a crackdown on the misuse of scramblers, including giving gardaí extra powers to stop unlawful use of the bikes in the likes of public parks.
However, locals in some of the affected areas believe such bikes have a major role to play in keeping young people active and out of trouble.
While authorities move ahead with the new legislation, some people in the Moyross estate in Limerick believe giving children and teenager a dedicated track would be a way of working with local communities rather than against them.
Henry McKean travelled to Moyross, where young children are among those using the 'super fast' bikes.
Fianna Fáil TD Willie O'Dea is one of the politicians who has called for action against misuse of the bikes.
He said: “Some of the people who purchase those machines use them in a very responsible and adult type way, under the supervision of their parents.
“But there’s an element that have become a real menace - in terms of how dangerously they use them on footpaths, public roads etc…
“I had an incident myself before the lockdown where I was almost knocked down myself by a guy who passed me literally within an inch on a scrambler.
“They’re disturbing the peace of people who want to live peacefully and quietly in their own homes, particularly elderly people.”
Deputy O'Dea says he's heard from people who’ve ‘begged’ to be transferred to a different home due to the impact of scramblers in their area.
He said: “It’s something that has been allowed to drag on for far too long.
"It’s put some people in fear of their lives - it’s beyond time for something to be done about it.”
Pat O’Neill is a community activist in Moyross, and he says he understands why young people use the bikes due to the 'adrenaline' involved.
However, he observed: “It’s just in the fashion they’re used… they have no regard for their safety or the safety of others around.
"The fear is it will take someone to be hurt or killed before people will stand up and say ‘we need to do something about this’”.
'We need to stop working against kids in the community'
However, some locals in Moyross think the use of scrambler bikes is something that's keeping children out of trouble.
One man told Henry: “[Politicians] are sitting up there and think they’re better than everyone else. Come out here and have a look around: see what it’s about it.
“Build a track for the kids or something.”
Others say it’s ‘imperative’ action is taken to get children off the streets and into a safe environment.
Damien Gavin is the lead facilitator of the Moyross Youth Motocross club, and he would also support a dedicated track.
He said: “It is a sport - we’ve taken the young members of this club right across the country to race meetings that are regulated based on safety.
“We need to start working with the kids in the community, not against them.
“I understand there’s a whole negative side to the motocross, but I think this could be a huge positive thing if we regulate it.”
