Suspended barbed fish hooks were among some of the man traps removed from Lennox Park, near Tūtaekurī River, over the past two weeks. Photo / Facebook
Suspended barbed fish hooks were among some of the man traps removed from Lennox Park, near Tūtaekurī River, over the past two weeks. Photo / Facebook
Suspended barbed fish hooks, trenches, thumbtacks and a spiked board are among some of the man traps removed from paths at Lennox Park beside the Tūtaekurī River over the past two weeks.
Cyclocross Hawke's Bayhas revealed the extent of the traps, which resulted in the cancellation of their events until further notice.
Committee member Ivar Hopman said he was "extremely disappointed" that people would go to such lengths to stop spring and summer family events.
The first lot of traps was found two weeks ago, just before a race, and luckily didn't result in any punctures, he said.
"I wouldn't know how to fix it. I just want them to come forward so we can sort this."
As a result of the man traps, Cyclocross cancelled its events because "safety of racers comes first".
"If the cancellation was because of Covid, then we'd understand. But to cancel for this reason is not good."
The traps have been reported to police, Hawke's Bay Regional Council said.
Council Asset Management Group Manager Chris Dolley said the traps had been removed.
"We are advising the public to take extreme care when walking or cycling in the area.
"This type of incident reinforces the need for greater surveillance on our rivers and access ways."
He urged the public to report any of these types of things to police or Regional Council (06 835 9200) as soon as possible.
It's not the first time man traps have been placed on Hawke's Bay river tracks. In September 2020 a man was flung from his motorbike after his chest hit metal wire strung between two trees on the Carrick Rd track near the Ngaruroro River.
Cyclocross (CX) takes elements from both road and mountain bike racing and presents as a spectator friendly, fun short race, that all ages and skill levels can enjoy.
Typically it is raced on an off road circuit, each lap takes about four to six minutes to complete.
Riders complete several laps in each race. Cyclocross, mountain and e-bikes are all welcome, however e-bikes are not eligible for prizes.