Still think your local trails are safe? One steel wire just proved they’re not
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A peaceful bushwalk or bike ride should never come with the risk of serious injury.
But recent events along a well-used trail in Perth’s south-east have left locals shaken and authorities concerned.
What unfolded this week has triggered a police investigation and fresh warnings for those who frequent the area.
A popular bush trail in Perth’s south-east turned into a nightmare this week, prompting fresh warnings from police and community leaders.
The once peaceful track near Jubb Road in Jarrahdale became the focus of an urgent investigation after a 47-year-old mountain biker was seriously injured while riding through the area.
But what caused his injuries—and the disturbing discovery that followed—has left locals both shocked and outraged.
The cyclist had been riding through the trail on 24 June when he was suddenly flung from his bike. A thick steel wire, strung tightly between two trees at neck and chest height, had been deliberately placed across the path.
The hidden hazard left him with a deep laceration to his bicep and heavy bruising.
Photos shared by WA Police showed the damage caused by the sinister trap, which they believed was set up around the same time as the incident.
Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale president Rob Coales called it ‘extremely dangerous’, warning of the risk to anyone using the trail.
‘We want to make people feel safe and welcome in our community and certainly don’t want traps or things out there that will put people’s lives at risk,’ he said.
One hiker, who also frequents the trail, admitted the idea of stumbling across such a trap was frightening: ‘You don’t know what you’re gonna find out here.’
Worryingly, this wasn’t an isolated event.
Police said similar traps had been discovered in previous years—one in 2019 on a Willetton road injured a person’s leg, another in Mandurah left a seven-year-old boy winded, and in 2016, a young girl jogging in High Wycombe was caught in barbed wire.
Mr Coales stressed the importance of community safety, adding: ‘It has happened in the past, (but) we won’t tolerate illegal activity and we’ll be working closely with Armadale police.’
Authorities believed more people might have been affected and urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online.
They also encouraged trail users to stay alert and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Digital photos or GoPro footage from the area around the time of the incident can be uploaded directly to police via the official digital evidence portal.
It’s not just bush trails—cycling accidents can happen anywhere, and often when you least expect them.
Watch the footage and let it be a reminder to stay alert, wherever you ride.
Source: Youtube/Associated Press
With more Aussies taking up walking and cycling in retirement, how safe do you feel using local bush trails? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
In a previous story, we covered the terrifying experience of a bushwalker who suddenly lost feeling in their legs while out on a trail—highlighting just how quickly things can go wrong in the bush.
For older Australians who enjoy staying active outdoors, stories like these are a sobering reminder of the risks that can come with even the most familiar paths.
If you enjoy bushwalking or biking, that one’s worth a look too.
Read more: ‘I couldn’t feel my legs’: Bushwalker’s terrifying ordeal sparks urgent warning
But recent events along a well-used trail in Perth’s south-east have left locals shaken and authorities concerned.
What unfolded this week has triggered a police investigation and fresh warnings for those who frequent the area.
A popular bush trail in Perth’s south-east turned into a nightmare this week, prompting fresh warnings from police and community leaders.
The once peaceful track near Jubb Road in Jarrahdale became the focus of an urgent investigation after a 47-year-old mountain biker was seriously injured while riding through the area.
But what caused his injuries—and the disturbing discovery that followed—has left locals both shocked and outraged.
Trap on trail leaves cyclist seriously injured. Image source: WA Police
The cyclist had been riding through the trail on 24 June when he was suddenly flung from his bike. A thick steel wire, strung tightly between two trees at neck and chest height, had been deliberately placed across the path.
The hidden hazard left him with a deep laceration to his bicep and heavy bruising.
Photos shared by WA Police showed the damage caused by the sinister trap, which they believed was set up around the same time as the incident.
Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale president Rob Coales called it ‘extremely dangerous’, warning of the risk to anyone using the trail.
‘We want to make people feel safe and welcome in our community and certainly don’t want traps or things out there that will put people’s lives at risk,’ he said.
One hiker, who also frequents the trail, admitted the idea of stumbling across such a trap was frightening: ‘You don’t know what you’re gonna find out here.’
Worryingly, this wasn’t an isolated event.
Police said similar traps had been discovered in previous years—one in 2019 on a Willetton road injured a person’s leg, another in Mandurah left a seven-year-old boy winded, and in 2016, a young girl jogging in High Wycombe was caught in barbed wire.
Mr Coales stressed the importance of community safety, adding: ‘It has happened in the past, (but) we won’t tolerate illegal activity and we’ll be working closely with Armadale police.’
Authorities believed more people might have been affected and urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online.
They also encouraged trail users to stay alert and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Digital photos or GoPro footage from the area around the time of the incident can be uploaded directly to police via the official digital evidence portal.
It’s not just bush trails—cycling accidents can happen anywhere, and often when you least expect them.
Watch the footage and let it be a reminder to stay alert, wherever you ride.
Source: Youtube/Associated Press
With more Aussies taking up walking and cycling in retirement, how safe do you feel using local bush trails? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
In a previous story, we covered the terrifying experience of a bushwalker who suddenly lost feeling in their legs while out on a trail—highlighting just how quickly things can go wrong in the bush.
For older Australians who enjoy staying active outdoors, stories like these are a sobering reminder of the risks that can come with even the most familiar paths.
If you enjoy bushwalking or biking, that one’s worth a look too.
Read more: ‘I couldn’t feel my legs’: Bushwalker’s terrifying ordeal sparks urgent warning
