Emaar puts brakes on quad bikes

Dubai: A crackdown on quad bikes has been launched by Emaar and those who break the rules have been warned they will be reported to the police.

The get-tough measures come four months after a 14-year-old girl died when the quad bike she was riding crashed into a lamppost in The Meadows.

In a letter to all Emaar residents, Director of Property Management Ahmad Al Falasi told residents that riding any motor quad bikes or off-road motorcycles is banned in the company's developments whether the driver is licensed or not.

The measures cover Emaar developments including The Springs, The Greens, The Meadows and Arabian Ranches.

Only on trailers

Off-road motor quad bikes and off-road motorcycles are only allowed to enter the community areas if they are on trailer.

Al Falasi said: "Offenders of any age will be reported to Dubai police who have a policy of confiscating such vehicles and not returning them to the owners.

"Quad bikes are dangerous and are frequently involved in serious accidents resulting in severe injuries and loss of life."

The ban on quad bikes was already in place but Emaar this week reminded residents of its existence in a circular issued as part of an "ongoing safety initiative".

One Springs resident said: "I had a friend with a licensed quad with headlamps and number plates, so who is Emaar to say registered vehicles are not allowed?

"However, they are trying to do a good thing because quads do irritate people," he said.

Emaar's strict rules were introduced after the death in October of 14-year-old Gabriella Mater.

Including Gabriella, at least four teenagers died in Dubai last year in quad bike accidents.

In late 2004, police clamped down on the renting of quad bikes to youngsters after a 10-year-old UAE national girl died riding a hired quad bike that was too big for her. Many quad bikes being used in residential areas were confiscated.