Bicyclists worried over potential of targeted threat

Wednesday 25 September 2019

The Guernsey Bicycle Group has been left stunned by news that ropes have been found strung over roads in a way which could kill a cyclist, and are now trying to contact the police to establish if there is a targeted threat to riders.

At the end of last week Guernsey Police announced it had come across a number of ropes which had been strung across roads.

Police decried the actions because of how easily they could kill someone, and urged anyone who might have been involved to think about what they were doing before someone was seriously hurt. 

The GBG were one of the first groups to confirm they had found a rope. They went to Guernsey Police straight away to try and avoid spreading rumours, but were disturbed to find there had been reports of more than one instance of this happening.

Sam Field, Chairman of the GBG, said: "[We are] stunned that this kind of dangerous behaviour and activity has made its way to our shores. GBG have been trying to contact the Police to determine if this is social media rumour or fact. We were also trying to determine if there is a known targeted threat against bicycle riders, or if this is an indiscriminate act without a target. GBG do not wish to spread misinformation or rumour, hence our attempts to verify the details.

One of the pieces of string or rope that was found. 

"Placing ropes and strings across cycle paths has been known in the UK and further afield, but typically restricted to cycle path ways, trails or specific events where there is a clear and obvious target.

"GBG hopes whoever has carried out this activity realises the danger they place the public in – colliding with a rope across a road at any height – head height or body height - could easily be lethal to the rider, whether on a bicycle or motor cycle."

So far, Guernsey Police have confirmed that the ropes were found on Route Presbytere and the Bas Courtils. 

Inevitably, Mr Field said, the victim of these actions would end up being an 'indiscriminate innocent': "We implore whoever is responsible for carrying these acts to stop immediately, and far those on bicycles or motorcycles to be extra vigilant on the roads.”

This matter is still undergoing investigation, and anyone with any information is asked to contact the Guernsey Police immediately on 725111, or report what they know anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.