VIGILANTE cyclists are mounting a road hog offensive en masse in a leafy Melbourne suburb after glass shards and tacks were deliberately laid in their path.

The cyclists and motorist war on the roads has taken a dangerous turn that has alarmed police, who dubbed the actions “vicious and malicious”.

For 11 weeks, cyclists have been forced to navigate their way around strewed pieces of “weapons” along Yarra Boulevard in Kew that have been puncturing tyres and causing riders to fall off their bikes.

Ed Hore, president of the cyclist advocacy group, CYCLE, said Yarra Boulevard was a training run for cyclists and a popular route for those commuting.

“Not using the road would be like bowing down to terrorists,” he said.

“It is encouraging more and more of us to go there in defiance and we are now riding in the middle of the lane.

“Regardless of what they are doing, we are doing the complete opposite.”

He held fears for young children who could become innocent victims.

“They (the glass shards and tacks) are weapons. The people putting them there are cowards,” Mr Hore said.

“We are going to end up with a dead kid.”

Boroondara police Inspector Steve Frost said patrols had been increased in the area to catch the those behind the cruel prank.

He said injuries would be “quite catastrophic” if cyclists crashed.

“We are really disappointed this behaviour is happening - it’s quite malicious and vicious,” Insp. Frost said.

“It’s a worry for us, these sorts of issues are occurring.

“The potential for serious injury or even worse is very real.”

Boroondara Mayor Coral Ross called on those using the road to dob in the culprits to police. “We are horrified that someone is deliberately putting people’s lives in danger,” Cr Ross said.

Insp. Frost said he could not understand the motives behind the cruel act because the road was wide enough for cars and cyclists.

He said police were treating the actions as a “criminal act” and those caught faced damage and injury-related charges - some that carried jail terms.

Anyone with information should phone CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

aleks.devic@news.com.au