Booby trap on Colorado Springs trail sends bikers to hospital

Two people are injured after being caught in a booby trap on a Colorado Springs trail.

The victims were biking across a bridge on Rock Island Trail when their bikes struck a trip line, causing both cyclists to flip off their bikes.

According to the Trails and Open Space Coalition, the perpetrator strung a taut line across the bridge, aiming to trap bicycle wheels.

“We were just cooking along, coming down a hill 17-18 miles per hour, and all of a sudden, I was dead stopped,” Nard Claar, one of the cyclists said. “I ended up with a broken clavicle, three broken ribs, and a dislocated shoulder.”

The other victim was bruised but not seriously injured.

The pair had ridden out to Powers, before turning back and encountering the string tied on the bridge not 15 minutes later.

“And it’s like – for what? Why would you want to do that kind of harm to somebody, there’s no reason there’s no cause. and it’s not an accident,” Claar said.

Claar hoping what he’s gone through doesn’t happen to someone else, and is thankful he’s not hurt worse.

“I mean I realize this could have killed me, I could be dead, but I’m alive so it’s precious time, enjoy what you have and enjoy this kind of day,” Claar said.

The Colorado Springs Police Department is investigating this crime and others like it on the trails.

The public is asked to be alert and report any illegal activity affecting the safety of trail users.