Along Kroodi Tracks on Jõelähtme/Maardu borderline, an ill willed individual has set us several traps potentially deadly to people riding bicycles and motorbikes.
Baddie sets up death traps in forest
4th June 2015, 14:09
Please note that the article is more than five years old and belongs to our archive. We do not update the content of the archives, so it may be necessary to consult newer sources.
While last year featured surprise «hedgehogs» on said tracks, this year served trees partially cut thru as well as wires. The trees have been cut so as to fall on people’s heads with winds blowing strong. Much deadlier, though, are the wires fastened to trees and pulled across tracks.
People say they have discovered the wires at body height, as well as where the head would be. The wire is of steel, about one millimetre in thickness. Being black in colour, it is hard to detect.
According to Viljar Varik, one to frequent the tracks on a cross-country bicycle, several accidents have already occurred. For instance, there was this guy who rode his motorcycle through two wires, resulting in arms all blue and mouth bloody. Had he been on his bike without proper gear, death might have been his lot.
Last week, six such wires were discovered at the Jõelähtme Track – all at throat height. The biker riding at low speed, he managed to notice the wire at last moment and turn his shoulder first, thus breaking the wire.
«Probably, somebody is mad at the motorbikes, as bicyclists breathing hard would hardly irritate anybody. Not long ago, there was a endure race there, which might have aggravated some soul. Meanwhile, no-one lives in the area, this only being a dacha area which should not be in private ownership,» said Mr Varik.
«I’d call this planned murder. Coming at great speed, the wire may do very much harm. There have been the bad cases in the world, with people perishing. It’s especially bad for bicyclists in their flimsy clothing, motorbike guys are a bit better covered,» added Mr Varik.
Majority of wires have been detected where the birch trees grow; problems are rarer under pines and spruces. This is a former quarry area where all kinds of endure and mountain bike competitions are held frequently.
Police, being aware of the problem, has launched investigations. At the moment, there is information regarding four people injured.
Yesterday, regional policeman Andrus Sepp talked to man who hit the wires while riding the track. On the basis of information received, the area will be inspected. Today, the policemen will be visiting the track with victim.
Regarding the «hedgehogs»: to police knowledge, two contraptions were discovered in Ihasalu Peninsula forest in the fall of 2014, obviously meant to destroy car tyres. The person who found the «hedgehogs» removed these from the road and informed the police. Police says they know of no repeat attempts of the sort.