Sabotage on Wellington Bike Trails: Logs, Holes, and Barriers Appear Amidst Ongoing Investigation

Key Takeaways

• Vandalism has occurred on Wellington mountain bike trails, with logs, holes, and wooden barriers blocking the paths
• Police and the Wellington City Council are investigating the damage, but have exhausted all available lines of inquiry
• A mountain biking instructor reports that the trails have been damaged again, despite initial cleanup efforts
• The damage poses a significant risk to mountain bikers who use the trails at high speeds
• The police are urging members of the public to come forward with any information that might help identify those responsible

Introduction to the Incident
The Wellington mountain bike trails have been targeted by vandals, with reports of logs, holes, and wooden barriers blocking the paths. The damage has been extensive, with a mountain biking instructor, Rod Bardsley, stating that the trails have been littered with obstacles. The incident has sparked an investigation by the police and the Wellington City Council, who are working to identify those responsible and prevent further damage. The trails, located in the Matairangi/Mt Victoria area, are a popular destination for mountain bikers, and the damage poses a significant risk to users who ride at high speeds.

The Extent of the Damage
The damage to the trails has been significant, with Bardsley reporting that holes had been dug in the ground, and support structures that held the dirt tracks together had been pulled out. In some areas, the trails had even been fenced off, with wooden beams put up between trees on either side of the track. The vandalism has not only made the trails difficult to use but also poses a significant risk to mountain bikers who may not be aware of the obstacles. Bardsley, who rides the trails regularly, expressed concern about the safety of the trails, stating that the damage could be extremely dangerous for bikers who ride at high speeds.

Investigation and Response
The police and the Wellington City Council have been investigating the damage, but so far, they have been unable to identify those responsible. Inspector Jason McCarthy, the Wellington area prevention manager, has urged members of the public to come forward with any information that might help. The police have stated that they have "exhausted all available lines of inquiry" in their attempt to find those responsible. Despite the initial cleanup efforts, the trails have been vandalized again, with Bardsley reporting that the damage had been done overnight. The Wellington City Council has been approached for comment, but so far, no statement has been released.

Impact on the Community
The vandalism of the Wellington mountain bike trails has had a significant impact on the community, with many users expressing concern about the safety of the trails. The trails are a popular destination for mountain bikers, and the damage has made it difficult for users to access the area. The incident has also raised concerns about the lack of respect for public property and the potential risks that vandalism can pose to users. The police and the Wellington City Council are working to address the issue, but it is clear that the community needs to come together to prevent further damage and ensure that the trails are safe for everyone to use.

Conclusion and Call to Action
The vandalism of the Wellington mountain bike trails is a serious issue that requires attention and action from the community. The police and the Wellington City Council are doing their part to investigate and prevent further damage, but they need the help of the public to identify those responsible. The community can play a crucial role in preventing further vandalism by reporting any suspicious activity and respecting public property. By working together, we can ensure that the trails are safe and accessible for everyone to enjoy. If you have any information about the vandalism, please come forward and contact the police or the Wellington City Council. Together, we can make a difference and keep our community safe.