SPOKANE, Washington – Mountain bikers that like to enjoy the Beacon Hill trail system in Spokane, Washington, have been on high-alert over the past few days, as an unknown saboteur has been booby trapping tails and leaving threatening signs in the area. Several posts to the Beacon Hill Mountain Bike Facebook group lay out the different traps that have been set, including grease, glass, and tent spikes on the trails.
Two signs have been left in the area, both calling the local mountain bikers, and the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, thieves. The signs appear to lay out the perpetrator’s motive as anger towards the expansion of the mountain bike trail system, claiming that the two-wheeled enthusiasts are ruining the ‘serenity’ of the rest of the park. Additionally, the signs detail the vandal’s willingness to continue booby trapping the trails.
“I have endless hours to mess with this loop.. Obstacles, caltrops, hidden spikes. Hell, I may pour concrete. This run will never, ever be reliably safe. Give It Up!!!“
“Back off, Greedheads! Those established runs have been accepted and unmolested so far! Be grateful for what you have now. Don’t take it for granted, it’s not a given. Back off. Let the rest of us have our share. I can really screw with those slabs!“
According to a post in the group by Tim Schlosser, the city approved the new trails and asked Evergreen East to build them. According to KXLY, one person was hurt by the vandalism after they slipped on a greased rock. Additionally, tent spikes and glass have apparently been placed facing up on the trail.
The Spokesman-Review reports that Spokane Police Department has been alerted to the situation and will investigate. The trails are part of a new project, starting just a few weeks ago. The project, called Make Beacon Hill Public, received little pushback during the planning phase when open houses and public meanings gave a chance for the public to speak.
“This effort really goes back to around 2008 when some of the master planning started happening for Beacon Hill and Camp Sekani Park. As far as community engagement, open houses and hearings when the public had a chance to comment – it’s all been very positive.” – Garrett Jones, director of parks and recreation.