(Photo: Jonathan Maus)
KATU has the story of a man who was attacked on Wednesday night while riding on the Springwater Corridor Trail in Clackamas County.
“Dave Miller said the suspects (about 10 of them) stepped out of the darkness, robbing and punching him and even stomping on his face…they also stole his Specialized mountain bike…”
In the story, Miller said he thinks security on the trail should be improved.
KATU also interviewed Bike Gallery employee Dennis Wyman. In their video report he said, “I know that if somebody’s gonna’ try to take my bike from me, they’re gonna hurt as much as I get hurt.”
The issue of personal safety on the Springwater Corridor (especially after dark) has come up before. Last November, someone started a thread titled, “Springwater Corridor After Dark” in the Women’s section of the Portland Bike Forums.
The poster wrote that she felt “it’s kind of creepy out there when it’s dark.” Other people in the forums told her to find a bike commuting buddy.
I’m curious about your experiences and thoughts. Have you ever had a sketchy encounter on the Springwater (and/or other trail)? Do you think a lack of security on trails like this is a big issue? Do we need more lights? Or more police bike patrols in certain areas?
UPDATE, 8/26/07: Ironically, the Springwater is featured on the front of the Oregonian’s Destination Gresham feature in today’s paper.