Brisbane cyclists believe they’re the victims of “mantraps”, after damaging their bikes on handfuls of thumbtacks spread out along their favourite riding spots this past month.

There have been at least four instances throughout February where cyclists riding throughout Wynnum, Manly and Birkdale have punctured their tyre after riding over thumbtacks on the ground.

In the worst case, a group of cyclists came across thumbtacks glued to a strip of metal and left on the ground.

Tracey Yatras and her husband were on a Sunday cycle through the area this past weekend when both suffered punctured tyres from thumbtacks spread out “along a three-metre stretch”.

“We were riding along, come out of a side street and came back onto the main road which is Birkdale Road and on the verge there, and I said to my husband, ‘you have a flat tyre’,” Ms Yatras said.

“We saw the tack in it, so he walked back to see where it happened and for about three metres the tacks were spread out down the side of the road.”

“There were a couple of pedestrians walking past and they helped us pick them all up.”

Ms Yatras said the area where the tacks were left was along a popular route for cyclists.

“I just wish people didn’t have this small-minded mentality, in an area where children are riding as well. Anybody could be hurt. I’ve seen elderly people on their tricycles ride down there as well.”

“It’s just sad.”

Source
ABC News