Seamus Armstrong's fight against illegal street scrambling follows the tragic death of his wife Valerie, urging community action and awareness.
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A new campaign aimed at curbing illegal street scrambling in West Belfast has taken shape, led by Seamus Armstrong. His drive comes from a deeply personal tragedy: the loss of his wife, Valerie, to a scrambler bike incident. This initiative is not just about enforcement; it seeks to educate the community on the **real dangers** posed by unauthorized motorized vehicles and aims to significantly reduce incidents of scrambling in places where it’s not allowed.
The Tragic Incident
Let’s rewind to July 2016—a day that changed everything for Seamus Armstrong. His wife, Valerie, a caring mother of three, was struck by a scrambler bike while they were out walking their dog in Colin Glen Forest Park.
Just moments after returning home from work, Valerie decided to take the family dog for a stroll. Little did she know, this simple act would lead to heart-wrenching consequences.
“Within half an hour, I heard the neighbors across the street screaming my name.
I looked over the fence, and they said, ‘Seamus, you need to (go) round to the forest, it’s Valerie,” Seamus recalled, his voice heavy with the weight of that day. Upon arriving at the scene, he found paramedics attending to Valerie, who was swiftly transported to the hospital. The devastating news soon followed—her injuries were terminal.
“I had to go home the next day and tell our kids that mummy would not be coming back from the hospital,” he added, his heartbreak palpable as he recounted the moment that changed their family forever. How do you explain such a loss to young children? It’s a question that lingers, one that highlights the urgency of addressing this issue.
Community Action and Awareness
In the wake of Valerie’s tragic death, Operation CHICQUER was born, aimed squarely at tackling illegal scrambling in the area. The latest initiative includes a powerful video produced by the Colin Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) in partnership with local community representatives and youth services. This video serves as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences that can arise from illegal street scrambling. Have you ever thought about the impact of such activities on your community?
Annie Armstrong of the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership emphasized the longstanding concerns voiced by residents regarding the dangers of scrambler bikes. “For many years, we’ve been highlighting the dangers of scramblers and other motorized vehicles in the hands of those who are not trained, insured, and not wearing the protective equipment necessary to ensure they remain safe,” she stated. Her words reflect a growing urgency within the community to prevent further tragedies.
Interestingly, police data shows a notable decrease in incidents involving scrambler bikes across the city, with a drop of **29.8% from 2023 to 2024**. However, it’s concerning that about **70% of offenders are aged between 12 to 18**, underscoring the need for targeted educational programs. Last summer, the Colin local policing team collaborated with the Cornerstone Off-Road Motorcycle Academy to educate **18 youths** identified as “at risk” on road safety. Isn’t it crucial that we invest in the younger generation to prevent future tragedies?
Official Support and Community Sentiment
At the launch of the anti-scrambling video, Belfast Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly threw her support behind the campaign, stressing its significance. “The video shown today is a powerful reminder of the very real impact that illegal street scrambling can have on individuals and their families,” she remarked. This sentiment resonates throughout the community as leaders and residents unite to bolster the initiative.
As this campaign gains traction, there’s hope that it will not only raise awareness but also instill a sense of responsibility among young riders. Seamus Armstrong’s personal story serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching effects of reckless behavior on community safety. Can we collectively work towards a safer environment?
With the community’s continued solidarity and proactive measures, there’s a growing optimism that incidents of illegal scrambling can be significantly reduced. Let’s ensure that no family has to endure a loss like the Armstrongs did. Together, we can make a difference.
