Scramblers: Grace's Law imposes ban in public places

Scramblers: Grace's Law imposes ban in public places

The mother of a 16-year-old girl tragically killed by a scrambler bike has described her life since the loss as a “living nightmare.” Grace Lynch lost her life in an accident in Finglas, County Dublin, at the end of January. Her family has since been active in campaigning for new, stricter laws aimed at preventing similar tragedies.

The legislation, now known as Grace’s Law, is set to come into force this Friday. It will prohibit the use of scrambler bikes and other off-road motorcycles in all public spaces across the Republic of Ireland. According to Grace’s mother, Siobhan Lynch, while the passing of the law is a positive step, she regrets that it only came about after such a heartbreaking loss. Siobhan is also calling for enhanced powers for the gardaí (Irish police) to better enforce these new regulations.

Recent reports highlight ongoing challenges for police officers in dealing with scrambler bikes. For example, a garda officer was recently banned from driving following a pursuit involving scramblers in Dublin. The Garda Representative Association has voiced concerns, mentioning that officers fear they may face disciplinary action or prosecution when engaging with these vehicles. Despite this, Siobhan expressed hope that the new law will inspire similar regulations beyond Ireland, including Northern Ireland and England, where scrambler bikes also cause significant issues.

Grace’s Law restricts the use of off-road motorcycles—including scramblers and quad bikes—to private land only, with usage permissible solely by the landowner or by someone with written permission. This confines such vehicles mainly to agricultural activities and authorized sporting events. Although scramblers have been illegal on public roads in Ireland since July 2023, the government believes the new legislation provides much-needed clarity. Meanwhile, Siobhan Lynch continues to grieve her daughter’s death deeply, describing her daily reality as emotionally overwhelming and reflecting on the warmth and friendliness Grace had during her life

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