The Ministry of Natural Resources proposes to ban quad bikes in specially protected areas

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision proposes to restrict the use of quad bikes in specially protected natural areas and coastal zones. The relevant document has been submitted for public discussion.

According to the document, once the decree comes into force, quad bikes will be prohibited from entering and travelling in specially protected natural areas; within park and beach areas and water protection zones and strips of water bodies.

Exceptions are made for the use of vehicles for official, search and rescue, and firefighting purposes, as well as for events agreed upon with the ministry.

The ministry notes that the use of quad bikes for tourism and entertainment purposes has increased sharply in recent years, leading to soil degradation, destruction of natural communities and pollution of water bodies. In addition, the noise and vibrations from quad bikes disrupt the natural rhythms of animals and birds, which in some cases leads to them abandoning their habitats and nests. In mountainous and steppe areas with fragile ecosystems, the use of quad bikes accelerates soil erosion, destroys rare plants and deprives the area of its ability to recover.

In addition, quad bikes destroy coastal vegetation, deteriorate water quality and cause coastal erosion.