Criminals setting traps to 'coat-hanger- cyclists on Queensland roads
FIRST ON 7 - Criminal vigilantes are setting traps to seriously injure bike-riders around Brisbane with ropes set up to coat-hanger cyclists and gravel strewn on roads, to send them flying from their bikes.
Victim Ryan Lalor bears the scars on his neck after being thrown to the ground when he ran into a rope tied across his path.
The 17-year-old hit the rope on his morning ride, forcing him to take three days off work.
"I was just riding and I didn't see the rope and I just hit it," Ryan told 7 News.
"I was just on the ground and I couldn't really breathe for a few seconds."
A number of other cyclists around Brisbane and the Gold Coast have reported similar incidents on roads and bush tracks.
Earlier this year, cyclists spotted a sinister trap in Brookfield where gravel was intentionally strewn across a popular cycling road.
On the Gold Coast, Christine Perry told 7 News how hoons stretched a rope across a Hinterland road, trapping members of her cycling group.
"Be aware, like I said I've driven past them I didn't think they'd escalate to violence against us," Ms Perry told 7 News.
Queensland Police are working with park rangers to investigate the incidents, with Senior Sergeant Warren Parker warning of criminal charges.
"Setting man traps is an offense under the criminal code and a person caught committing that can face serious penalties," Snr Sgt Parker said.
Bicycle Queensland CEO Ben Wilson described the traps as vicious acts.
"This is just a mean and vicious thing to do. It's not the right attitude, it's not the right thing," Mr Wilson said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
