Central Park cyclist upset over tacks

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NEW YORK, July 12 (UPI) -- Bicyclists in New York City's Central Park say someone put thumbtacks on a trail, causing more than a dozen flat tires.

The incident happened around 6 a.m.July 3 on Park Drive in Central Park, the New York Post reported Thursday.

Biker Steve Vaccaro said he hit the pavement when his tire was popped by a tack that morning.

"I was paying close attention to everything around me, and I was looking for major hazards like potholes, not things like thumbtacks," Vaccaro said. "I rode over it and my tire instantly deflated, and after that I fell to the ground. I ripped the skin off my elbow and it's pretty sore, but I don't have any broken bones."

One rider reported the incident to Central Park Precinct, but police said it isn't a priority.

"We have more important things to worry about, like people getting shot and squirrels getting run over," said one officer. "A flat tire is not the crime of the century."

Cyclist Jonathan Giahn said he has an idea who may have been behind the incident.

"I really don't want to point fingers, but some think it could have been a disgruntled runner," he said. "There is kind of a rivalry in the park between cyclists and runners."

Meanwhile, some runners said they are sympathetic toward whoever put out the tacks.

"Cyclists are very self-entitled. They come cruising by and almost hit you, and if you say something they say something back," one person said.