Police investigating man traps set up beside Napier river

Illegal man traps have been removed at beside the Tūtaekurī River, sparking the cancellation of Cyclocross events. Photo File

Man traps have been removed at Lennox Park beside the Tūtaekurī River and have sparked the cancellation of all Cyclocross Hawke’s Bay events at the riverside park.

The traps have been reported to police, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council said.

Council Asset Management Group Manager Chris Dolley said the traps had been removed.

“We are advising the public to take extreme care when walking or cycling in the area.

“This type of incident reinforces the need for greater surveillance on our rivers and access ways.”

He urged the public to report any of these types of things to police or Regional Council (06 835 9200) as soon as possible.

Back in September 2020, man traps were located on the Carrick Rd track, near the Ngaruroro River.

The track was frequently used by mountain bikers and motorbike riders, including Stacy Howie who was flung from his motorbike when his chest hit metal wire strung between two trees on the Carrick Rd track.

He suffered injuries to his neck, chest, shoulder, wrist and ankle.

Howie said the wire “would have definitely taken my head off” if placed slightly higher.

“I could’ve died if it hit my neck on first impact instead of my upper chest,” he said at the time.

“I would ride there again, but only ever on my usual tracks that I’ve checked.”

Cyclocross (CX) takes elements from both road and mountain bike racing and presents as a spectator friendly, fun short race, that all ages and skill levels can enjoy.

Typically it is raced on an off road circuit, each lap takes about four to six minutes to complete.

Riders complete several laps in each race. Cyclocross, mountain and e-bikes are all welcome, however e-bikes are not eligible for prizes.