A ‘mean-spirited’ saboteur is puncturing cyclists’ tyres by leaving thumbtacks in a Bermondsey cycle lane.
Furious cyclists say they are constantly falling foul of the handfuls of pins left in the segregated cycle route outside Bermondsey Underground Station.
Local police say they will “keep an eye out” for the unknown individual – who has reportedly waged the bizarre campaign for two years.
A local dog-walking business owner, who uses cargo bikes to transport her pooches, said the regular punctures were “a dent in morale” for the business.
Lydia Maxwell, founder of Dogboxx, said: “Whoever it is has clearly stepped up their game because we’ve seen it happen ten or fifteen times this year and had about three or four punctures this year.”
She added: “I’m running a small business. Replacing my tyres definitely digs into my bottom line.
“But it’s more of a dent in morale knowing that somebody out there wants to hurt you.”
The handfuls of pins are usually left strewn on the Jamaica Road cycle lane that opened in 2020.
While a boon to cyclists, it has been criticised by some motorists who say it’s worsened congestion.
Local councillor Rachel Bentley, who has also fallen victim to the pins, said the impact on cyclists and local businesses was unacceptable.
I’m sorry to report that the drawing pins are back on the cycle lane by #Bermondsey tube. Such mean-spirited behaviour. Do take care when cycling through.
Photo from a local business that has suffered multiple punctures to their cargo bikes. @London_Cycling @swklibdems pic.twitter.com/VfdP5uTduu
— Cllr Rachel Bentley ? (@RachelBentleyNB) November 29, 2023
“Dogboxx is the cutest business on planet Earth and she’s having to spend shed loads of money on replacement tyres. It’s just mean-spirited,” she said.
Cllr Bentley took to X, formerly Twitter, to warn people about the traps. One X user wrote: “If this is the result of deliberate action, it’s truly despicable.”
In response, police wrote: “Anyone carrying out this action would be committing a criminal offence. When we are on patrol in the area we will keep an eye out.
“If anyone witnesses pins/sharp objects being dropped please call police.”
Cllr Bentley said: “The police have been quite clear. It’s not just irritating, it’s criminal damage.”
‘Local councillor Rachel Bentley, who has also fallen victim to the pins, said the impact on cyclists and local businesses was unacceptable’
What about the unacceptable impact on drivers and businesses these mainly unused costly cycle lanes cause. Typical hypocrisy from the cyclists and power crazy selfish politicians .