PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Motorcyclists and all-terrain-vehicle riders in three states have discovered booby traps along trails on public lands that place riders, hikers and others at risk, the American Motorcyclist Association reported recently.

In Idaho, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, someone or some group is deliberately trying to harm off-highway-vehicle riders who use trails on public lands. Booby traps also have been reported in recent years along trails in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.

“This type of activity is extremely dangerous,” said Rob Dingman, AMA president and CEO. “A motorcyclist who hits one of these traps can be seriously injured or even killed. We want anyone with information about these tactics to contact law enforcement immediately.”

Already this year:
Off-highway riders in Massachusetts found cables strung across trails in four state parks, according to the Massachusetts Environmental Police and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. Authorities are asking anyone who notices suspicious activity to call the 24-hour Environmental Police line at (800) 632-8075 or the DCR Park Watch Hotline at (866) 759-2824. The New England Trail Riders Association is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.

Members of the Mount Moosilauke ATV Club Riders near Warren, N.H., discovered boards with nails in several places along the multi-use trail system. Before anyone was injured, club members removed the boards, along with scattered nails and broken glass. The ATV club is offering a $1,350 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.
In Custer County, Idaho, riders found a piece of barbed wire strung across a trail about 4 feet from the ground, endangering off-highway-vehicle riders and mountain bikers, according to Sharetrails.org.

“The AMA is issuing AMA Action Alerts to riders in areas where these incidents have occurred,” Dingman said. “But, at the same time, riders everywhere should use due caution on the trails, because we know there are people out there who would do us harm.”

In addition to contacting local law enforcement authorities, the AMA asks that you send an email to grassroots@ama-cycle.org about any booby trap incidents so other motorcyclists and off-road enthusiasts can be alerted. Sign up for AMA Action Alerts at www.americanmotorcyclist.com > Rights > AMA Action Center.