Cyclists injured by barbed wire strung between trees along trail

A volunteer group is urging outdoor enthusiasts to exercise “immense caution” after they say mountain bikers were injured by a wire strung between two trees on a trail west of Calgary.

In a statement on its website, the Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association said it was “sad and horrified” to report several people were injured by a wire in the West Bragg Creek area on Wednesday evening.

“At this time, we’re trying to determine the location,” stated the post. “Anyone with information on this inhuman act is encouraged to contact the Cochrane RCMP or call 911. We will update you as further information develops.”

Cochrane RCMP are investigating the incident and said Friday one victim was treated for minor injuries and one mountain bike was stolen in the course of events.

The incident happened around 8 p.m. Wednesday after two mountain bikers encountered barbed wire strung across a trail a short distance into their ride in the West Bragg Creek area.

The injured person was riding on a downhill slope and standing when he was struck on the shoulder. The wire knocked him off his bike. The duo removed the wire, left the victim’s mountain bike at the scene, and walked back to their vehicle.

When they returned Thursday to recover the bike, it was missing.

Cochrane RCMP are asking anyone with information about the theft, or barbed wire, to contact them or Crime Stoppers.

The incident comes after offhighway vehicle enthusiasts reported finding barbed wire strung between trees along off-road trails in the Porcupine Hills, east of Fort Macleod, in April.

While one dirt biker had to duck under his handlebars at the last minute to avoid the wire in April, no one was seriously injured by the apparent trap.