Police investigating after tacks, nails left on bike trail in ‘disgusting’ cyclist attack

Police are investigating after hundreds of “disgusting” discoveries were found along a NSW bike trail often used by children

Police have launched an investigation after hundreds of sharp objects were found on a recently opened NSW bike trail.

The “disgusting” act has been slammed on social media, after the Tweed-Byron Police District issued a warning about the danger lying on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, between Murwillumbah and Mullumbimby.

Hundreds of tacks, nails and screws were found on a bike track. Picture: Facebook/Tweed-Byron Police District

Police were notified about the incident earlier this month, and have since recovered “hundreds of tacks, nails and screws” from the recently opened track.

“We’ve had several reports of people injured, or children who have needed to push their bikes a number of kilometres, due to flat tyres caused by tacks scattered over the track,” Tweed-Byron Police District Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Kehoe said in a statement.

It is believed the objects were deliberately placed on the track.

Bike tyres have been punctured and some cyclists injured by the tacks. Picture: Facebook/Tweed-Byron Police District

Inspector Kehoe led the condemnation of “dangerous and disgraceful behaviour” which has impacted many people in the Northern Rivers community.

The police post shared photos of the significant collection of tacks, screws and nails recovered in the police investigation.

“This is so disappointing – and so dangerous too,” one user wrote.

“This is so wrong on so many levels, I am not for the bike trail but everyone should have the right to use this without this stupid type of action,” another wrote.

It is believed the tacks were deliberately put on the track. Picture: Facebook/Tweed-Byron Police District

Cyclists are urged to be careful on the track. Picture: Facebook/Tweed-Byron Police District

One user pointed out that support workers and caregivers with people in wheelchairs also use the track and are at risk of getting a puncture and then stuck on the track, too.

“Very weak act. Lower than yellow belly black snakes,” one wrote.

Inspector Kehoe said those responsible for the incident may have underestimated the serious nature of the offence, and urged anyone with information about the incident to contact local police.

“I’d urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Murwillumbah Police on [phone] or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

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