PE Cyclists Beware - Wire Across Road

[GAP]

Hectic!!! Thanks for the warning.

[pierre-]

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[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

My brother in law has hit 3 of those on his enduro bike in the last 2 years in and around PE - only once has it caught skin (mudguard and handlebars on the other occasions) - he got lucky and it broke on the 3rd one - 2 nice scars on his upper bicep - one on each side.

 

Strung tight enough and with enough speed, that could easily decapitate you - or cut  something vital.

 

 

I have a friend who was riding in Uitenhage and came upon a mattresses inner wire/springs, strung across the trail.

Crazy stuff!!

[hboli4]

I think Vettes also encountered some wire strung across a trail here in Bloem a while back.

[SwissVan]

I highly doubt this is just some messing around by kids. I reckon that this is done to get a cyclist or motorcyclist injured and off the bike in order to rob them. I highly doubt the perps play computer games or watch movies on HD TVs. Probably steal TVs and computers, but not play on them.

 

This was also employed as a terrorist tactic in the late 80s/early 90s: bloudraad strung between the pillars of highway overpasses, at the correct height to injure/maim/decapitate personnel riding in armoured troop carriers that happen to be sticking their heads out the top hatches at the time.

 

  I agree, its an ancient ploy probably started by thieves in the days when rich people rode horses... deed planned by people with no concept of the consequences of their brillant plans

 

Note: Sarcasm engaged with reference to Brillant

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

  I agree, its an ancient ploy probably started by thieves in the days when rich people rode horses... deed planned by people with no concept of the consequences of their brillant plans

 

Note: Sarcasm engaged with reference to Brillant

 

Jip, a wire like this or a broom stick stuck into a front wheel are probably the worst ways to come off I reckon!!!

[Hennie VR]

That's nasty, causing harm and pain on someone probably to rob them. Has anyone been taken out by one of these yet?

 

I believe I read a article a year or two ago about a young boy who was riding on a quad bike in the fields close to his home and someone also strung a wire across the trail.

 

 

He got injured VERY badly and was luck to still be alive.

 

[Wannabe]

I highly doubt this is just some messing around by kids. I reckon that this is done to get a cyclist or motorcyclist injured and off the bike in order to rob them. I highly doubt the perps play computer games or watch movies on HD TVs. Probably steal TVs and computers, but not play on them.

 

This was also employed as a terrorist tactic in the late 80s/early 90s: bloudraad strung between the pillars of highway overpasses, at the correct height to injure/maim/decapitate personnel riding in armoured troop carriers that happen to be sticking their heads out the top hatches at the time.

I almost got taken out like that in Sebokeng. (standing lookout in passenger seat of Casspir). Luckily my reflexes was good enough and could duck it, only hit top of my staaldak.