Man held for hanging rope over bike path

31 July 2006

AMSTERDAM — Police arrested a 49-year-old man in the town of Nijswiller in the south east of the Netherlands on Saturday for hanging a rope across the bike path near his home.

A cyclist (23) from Heerlen had to jump off his bike to avoid colliding with the rope that was at handlebar height. He was uninjured, a police spokesperson said on Sunday.

The suspect and his wife have been annoyed for some time by the behaviour of racing cyclists on the path. After the younger man’s fall, the home owner allegedly shouted abuse at him and then drove off in a van. He was spotted going into a nearby house by the father of the cyclist and the police.

In his statement the man said he had tied the rope to a plant and it remained attached as he brought the plant to his van. He was released after extensive questioning.

A police spokesperson said there is no evidence to support a charge of attempted killing. But the resident will be fined for hindering traffic.

Subject: Dutch news