Sustans Cymru has warned of the dangers after a series of nail traps were left in the Upper Forest area of Lampeter
Nail traps left on walking and cycling routes could cause “very serious injury or even fatalities”, a green transport charity has warned.
Sustrans Cymru warned of the dangers after a series of nail traps were left at a beauty spot in the Upper Forest area of Lampeter.
Residents discovered a number of wooden boards with several six-inch nails sticking out of them.
They have been left facing upwards in what appears to be a bid to injure people walking or running in the area, or to damage the tyres of a cyclist’s bike.
Nail traps left on walking and cycling routes could cause “very serious injury or even fatalities”, a green transport charity has warned.
Sustrans Cymru warned of the dangers after a series of nail traps were left at a beauty spot in the Upper Forest area of Lampeter.
Residents discovered a number of wooden boards with several six-inch nails sticking out of them.
They have been left facing upwards in what appears to be a bid to injure people walking or running in the area, or to damage the tyres of a cyclist’s bike.
Horrific injuries
Last year cyclist Dr Gareth Enticott was left with horrific injuries after tacks were allegedly thrown on to the road during the Velothon.
The Cardiff University geographer tweeted graphic photos of a nasty leg injury he said required surgery after he came off his bike.
In March Swansea council warned someone has been dropping drawing pins on the city's seafront promenade .
And last month wires were strung deliberately at neck height across the busy Brynmenyn cycle path , Brynmenyn, near Bridgend.
Sustrans Cymru spokesman Chris Roberts said: “It could result in very serious injuries or even fatalities. So we are concerned that it happens at all and it’s like any criminal activity – we would want it stopped.”
Last year cyclist Dr Gareth Enticott was left with horrific injuries after tacks were allegedly thrown on to the road during the Velothon.
The Cardiff University geographer tweeted graphic photos of a nasty leg injury he said required surgery after he came off his bike.
In March Swansea council warned someone has been dropping drawing pins on the city's seafront promenade .
And last month wires were strung deliberately at neck height across the busy Brynmenyn cycle path , Brynmenyn, near Bridgend.
Sustrans Cymru spokesman Chris Roberts said: “It could result in very serious injuries or even fatalities. So we are concerned that it happens at all and it’s like any criminal activity – we would want it stopped.”
Traps hidden by moss
In Lampeter some of the nail traps were left hidden by moss, making them more difficult to see.
Local resident Elen Page came across one of the traps while out running in the woodland, and reported the incident to police at Lampeter.
Since then another four traps have been found at different locations by local walkers in the area.
Mr Roberts said it was not clear that the latest incidents were targeted specifically at cyclists.
He added: “Looking at the devices they are just as dangerous for people jogging or walking as they are for bicycles so it’s hard to tell what the motivation of people is.
“Sometimes it’s been reported as being a prank by children that’s got out of hand. Nevertheless if somebody is caught in this way, whether they are on a bike or jogging, the consequences can be very serious.”
Velothon disruption
Last year businesses complained of disruption over the Velothon after it led to a large number of road closures.
And Mr Roberts believes incidents can sometimes be prompted because people feel their space is being invaded by walkers and cyclists.
He added: “Often misguidedly because there is a public right of way for people to pass through there.
“We share spaces and most people react to incursions in a reasonable way and if people think there’s a nuisance there are almost always ways of complaining and putting things right without having to get into a position where people are seriously harmed.”
On the latest incidents in Lampeter resident Grenville Evans told the South Wales Evening Post his two sons were on the path a couple of weeks ago when they came across three separate traps.
He said: “They were hidden underneath some moss so that people running or cycling at speed would not see them. The following week they went back to check the path again and found another one.”
see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/risk-very-serious-injury-even-11420674
No comments:
Post a Comment