Pedestrians using an East Belfast greenway have called for action to be taken to stop people from riding scramblers and quads on it.
In recent months concerns have been raised about "gangs of people" riding the vehicles on the Comber Greenway, with some pedestrians saying that it has made them afraid of using it.
They have said that the issues primairly take place in the Knock and Tullycarnet sections of the greenway, although there has also been reports of scrambler use on the Connswater Greenway too.
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One local resident said: "In recent weeks there has been a large amount of dangerous scrambler activity on the Comber Greenway, particularly in the Knock and Tullycarnet areas.
"Gangs of teens and young adults have been nearly hitting children, adults and pensioners and many are now frightened to use the greenway for fear of getting hit."
East Belfast DUP MLA Joanne Bunting has said that she has asked police to increase patrols on the greenway in order to improve the safety of those using it.
Joanne Bunting MLA said: "The Connswater and Comber Greenways have enormous use and are of spectacular value to East Belfast and beyond; they are safe, traffic-free routes. However, some users of the Greenways have raised concerns about the increase of scramblers and electric scooters speeding on both Greenways. Whilst the Greenways are there to be used by all, constituents have contacted my office as they are concerned that there has been an increase in incidents involving scramblers and electric scooters. They are forcing users off the path and it won’t be long before someone is seriously injured.
"On each occasion I have reported to the PSNI to make them aware and request an increase of patrols in the area. The PSNI have advised that it is aware of the problem across the district and assured me that there are numerous police patrols on the Greenway to try and prevent this from getting out of control."
Police say they have received numerous reports of quads and scrambler bikes being driven 'recklessly' in public spaces in East Belfast and have said that it is engaging with the local community to deter their use.
Neighbourhood Inspector Pete Cunningham said: "We have recently received numerous reports about quads and scrambler bikes being driven recklessly in public spaces and other areas in east Belfast.
"The use of such motorised vehicles as a leisure activity can be both exciting and fun however, if used inappropriately, this can be against the law in certain circumstances. Some scramblers, do not comply with Construction and Use Regulations and Vehicle Safety Standards and therefore are restricted to "off-road" use only.
"This does not mean that they can be driven anywhere off-road. These vehicles should only be driven on private land where the landowner has given permission and should not be driven on pavements, roads, public property or parks. Insurance and safety equipment must be complied with as well in order to drive these vehicles legally.
"The dangers of driving these vehicles cannot be underestimated; people have been killed or seriously injured using these machines, including pedestrians.
"We have and we will continue to engage with the local community in relation to this issue and are working with partner agencies to try and deter people from it.
"I would like to remind the community of the dangers associated with the use of off-road scramblers and anyone thinking about buying these vehicles must first think about where it is going to be used and the legalities surrounding its use.
"They are not toys. It is vital that children and young people understand and respect the power of these machines and it is vitally important that the appropriate safety equipment is used and that their use is properly supervised.
"If anyone knows of people doing this please contact 101 or if you wish to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
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