Riding a motorcycle or operating an all-terrain vehicle has it's associated risks, and people assume those risks when learning how to safely operate these vehicles. Riding off-road has different risks than road riders, like ruts, stones, animals and other obstacles to deal with. One must always suspect the unsuspected when riding off-road, but vandals placing dangerous booby traps is beyond the scope of things usually considered.
Someone has been placing spiked booby traps on trails in Pike National Forest in Colorado. Similar to barbed wire, these traps could entangle a vehicle's wheels or worse and cause serious injury to an unsuspecting rider. The U.S. Forest Service said the device "posed a significant public safety concern."
Vandals putting motorcyclists and others at risk unfortunately isn't new. On July 13, 2004, vandals stretched clear plastic kitchen wrap across a two lane highway in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Daniel Buckel and his passenger, Theresa Brzykey were injured when they were thrown from Buckel's motorcycle after hitting the wrap. Waukesha County Sheriff Dan Trawicki charged the guilty party with a felony after he was turned in by an annonymous tipster. Hupy and Abraham, S.C. offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this heinous act, and although the investigation was slow, the tip came in shortly after the law firm offered the reward.
In Colorado, the U.S. Forest Service is urging anyone with information about the spiked booby trap in Pike National Forest to contact its Law Enforcement Tip Line, (303) 275-5266. Wayne Allard, AMA Vice President of Government Relations called for harsh punishment for whomever is responsible for this vandalism. There is a reward being offered in this case also, and hopefully will result in the apprehension of the guilty party.
