Motorbikes belonging to non-residents will be banned from Amwaj Islands, a major mixed-use development in northern Bahrain, from today (May 1) following a string of complaints.

The move, made by Amwaj Islands management, follows a report by our sister publication the Gulf Daily News (GDN) highlighting the problem of speeding drivers and boy racers who have been disturbing residents.

"The management has been aware of the disturbance caused by motorcycles entering the islands and has been studying a feasible solution to the situation," an Amwaj spokeswoman for told the GDN.

"Amwaj Islands takes pride in providing a peaceful and serene community for its residents and visitors. To maintain this environment, Amwaj Islands has become a motorcycle-free zone apart from resident motorcycles, effective from May 1.

"We invite all Amwaj visitors and residents to co-ordinate with the Amwaj security in adhering to the new regulations to make Amwaj Islands a pleasant place for residents and visitors alike."

It is down to residents to inform their visitors that they will not be allowed into the islands on a motorcycle, the spokeswoman added.

Residents had earlier told the GDN that they were growing increasingly frustrated by the management's lack of action over gangs of boy racers in cars and on bikes doing laps of the island late at night. – TradeArabia News Service