Notts cyclists need to be vigilant around dangerous 'trail trapping'

With lockdown forcing us all outside, mountain bike sales have rocketed, and more of us are taking to the great outdoors to exercise with our families.
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Unfortunately alongside this is the terrifying increase in ‘trail trapping’ throughout the country.

Trail trapping is the act of leaving objects or traps along a bike trail to cause injury to riders.

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These can take many forms, and a cyclist coming into contact with one at speed has the potential to be fatal.

An example of some of the medieval traps set to cause serious harm to cyclistsAn example of some of the medieval traps set to cause serious harm to cyclists
An example of some of the medieval traps set to cause serious harm to cyclists

Joel Long has launched the ‘Stop Trapping Our Trails’ campaign on social media to highlight the dangers.

He said: “Every day around the world riders seek enjoyment far and wide, from a blast along the backyard bridleways to reaching the highest summits.

“Unfortunately, we are starting to see an increase in reports of tension wires tied between trees at head height, tree roots featuring upright nails and glass carelessly scattered along the trails you seek freedom on.

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“We encourage the mountain bike community to join our Facebook page Stop Trapping Our Trails and share your experiences of trail trapping.

Look closely - can you see the danger here? Do you think you would see this travelling towards it at speed?Look closely - can you see the danger here? Do you think you would see this travelling towards it at speed?
Look closely - can you see the danger here? Do you think you would see this travelling towards it at speed?

“We can then publish these threats for all to see, report the dangers to the relevant authorities to see they are removed and ultimately let the creators of these traps know that their efforts to seriously harm cyclists is absolutely unacceptable.”

Chis James from Alliance MTB, who coach cyclists to improve performance, has removed traps from trails in the Mansfield area so was keen to speak out about the dangers.

He said: “Please be careful. If you’re riding in areas where you know this is a problem, consider riding the trail more slowly, be vigilant, photograph, report to the police and share with the community.

“We have to stop these people before someone is killed.”

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Inspector Nick Butler, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Whilst I am not aware of any incidents of this nature locally I would ask any member of the public who spots any similar hazards in the Mansfield area to contact us on 101 to make us aware as soon as possible.”

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