Muggers on Custis

[dasgeh]

I got a response to my email to ACPD. I appreciate the speed of the response, but I found the substance underwhelming. The officer referred to patroling the trails “as the weather gets warmer” (ugh — when there are more trail users, the chance that the trail will be deserted will be higher, giving an opportunity for these types of incidents, so that’s when we need more patrols). She also sited ACPD attendance at BAC meetings and “participation” in bike/ped safety campaigns as their support of Arlington’s TDM. I don’t believe ACPD has been to a BAC meeting in over a year, despite multiple invitations. Also, I don’t believe ACPD has actually done anything to support the bike/ped safety campaigns (patrols? enforcement? stopping people to give warnings?). Please correct me if I’m wrong, because I would like to write back with correct information.

Also, “motorbikes” on the trail? eBikes, scooters, or other things that are speed limited would be fine, but the idea of anyone on the trail with motorcycles, especially during the day, is scary to me.

[PotomacCyclist]

I don’t think you are allowed to ride motorcycles on bike trails, although I have seen police officers driving regular full-sized automobiles on local trails! Especially on Four Mile Run Trail, which can be very narrow.

[dbb]

I have been on the MVT when the USPP motorcycles have been patrolling and didn’t find it problematic. The police were doing a moderate speed (10-20 mph) and the trail wasn’t crowded. Not sure how they would do at the Mem Bridge tunnel. I’m cool with police on motorcycles on the trails if that is what is necessary to get the police on the trails regularly.

[JorgeGortex]

The response from ACPD was much the same as yours, but contained even less detail. I received no reply from the County Board, other than the automated response. Poor form IMHO, but then again I criticized their pet projects as well. This is why I think the cycling community needs to keep up the pressure for long term trail patrols as well as bike patrols in the Ballston-Rosslyn corridor.

“…warmer?” Have they never heard of clothing? And the colder, darker months probably would benefit from more beat patrols. Again, for me this more than just trail safety, but safety in general in our neighborhoods.

I’ve seen motorcycles on the trails before, riding two abreast even. They make you stop so they can pass. I agree that, unless its an emergency, motorcycles (and cars!) should stay off the trail. Dangerous to users and not sending the right message anyway. Segway? Really?! Jeez…

JG

[mstone]

Passed a bike cop this afternoon on the W&OD by the castle.

[consularrider]

@mstone 48781 wrote:

Passed a bike cop this afternoon on the W&OD by the castle.

Probably the same one I passed at the George Mason light. Failed to have his helmet strap buckled, so not setting a good example. Even so, I thanked him for being out on the trail.

[Terpfan]

They should be patrolling the trails at all times of the year. Quite frankly, I think a handful of cops on bikes would really help them deter crime. I know one MPD officer in DC who was on bike riding through alleys during the daytime in upper NW/NE. He must have stopped 3-4 crimes in progress over just a month or two. Criminals are on the lookout for the squad cars and can hear the motorcycles, but the bikes are great.

With that said, I would take a police presence anyway we can get it on local trails. Their weather excuse is amusing as I’m sure cars don’t stop having accidents in the winter. I don’t mind if they ride their motorcycle down the trail. Better yet, they should post some photos of cops on the trail on motorcycles saying please be cautious of potential police vehicles that monitor the trails. It’s an added deterrent.

But if they still don’t want to do it then maybe it’s time to organize a neighborhood trail watch. I’m not sure it’s ever been implemented to the trail level, but I have no problem going out once or twice a week for a later evening ride to keep the trails safe if the police can’t or won’t do it. (Plus, I could use the extra miles workout).

[thucydides]

I think realistically there isn’t enough crime to warrant a major police presence on the trails, at least not WOD, Custis, & CCT. Police resources are finite. However, I do want to echo Terpfan’s point about neighborhood trail watch. When I lived in Columbia, Missouri we had this on the trail system there. Trained volunteers wore bright yellow vests and carried walkie-talkies. They could look out and report crime, chastise reckless behavior, help people with mechanicals, etc. There was also a related program where off-duty cops rode the trails (in outfits identifying them as cops). They mainly served as a visual deterrent but they could respond when needed. I can’t recall exactly how it was structured (this was over ten years ago) but I believe the cops got some sort of credit, perhaps towards their fitness requirements, by logging time on the trails.

[Dickie]

I think thucydides and Terpfan have some great points. Any presence of the trails that looks organized and formal will help deter crime. It isn’t the same as having regular police patrols, but it is a good start. Out of curiosity, I have been seeing the same guy for years riding on the Custis and W&OD trail with a “Trail Patrol” vest on. Is he self titled, or at some point was there an actual appointed person(s) to patrol the trails?

[consularrider]

@Dickie 48971 wrote:

I think thucydides and Terpfan have some great points. Any presence of the trails that looks organized and formal will help deter crime. It isn’t the same as having regular police patrols, but it is a good start. Out of curiosity, I have been seeing the same guy for years riding on the Custis and W&OD trail with a “Trail Patrol” vest on. Is he self titled, or at some point was there an actual appointed person(s) to patrol the trails?

Link to W&OD Trail Patrol information from Friends of the W&OD (FOWOD) Trail. You too can volunteer!

The Mt Vernon Trail Patrol is on Facebook and it’s mentioned in another link.

[Terpfan]

@consularrider 48980 wrote:

Link to W&OD Trail Patrol information from Friends of the W&OD (FOWOD) Trail. You too can volunteer!

The Mt Vernon Trail Patrol is on Facebook and it’s mentioned in another link.

Interesting, there is a trail patrol evidently. I’ve never seen it on MVT, but will look into how I can help. As long as I’m not shelling out a ton of money, I don’t mind volunteering my time and slow riding portions of the trail, even late at night.

I have also seen the gentleman on the W&OD with Trail Patrol on once or twice, but I don’t use the Custis or W&OD except for pleasure or when I decide to ride the loop.

[GuyContinental]

@Dickie 48971 wrote:

Out of curiosity, I have been seeing the same guy for years riding on the Custis and W&OD trail with a “Trail Patrol” vest on. Is he self titled, or at some point was there an actual appointed person(s) to patrol the trails?

I know who you are talking about, in fact he’s one of my daily “Bobs” I watched him run the Fairfax/Glebe intersection yesterday (lots of people run it during the left arrow cycle) and grimaced a bit, one probably shouldn’t sport the vest if one isn’t going to do the PAL thing and set a great example for drivers/cyclists at a major intersection… (there’s some scofflaw hypocrisy on my part but I always wait out the lights on Fairfax)

On the patrol front, there were two bike officers on the W&OD near rt28 on Tuesday- first I’ve ever seen out there. FWIW, they also rolled the intersection of Church and W&OD

[bluerider]

I have often seen the MVT trail patrol. They are very welcoming generally speaking.

[rcannon100]

Arlco police will be making a guest appearance at the Donaldson Run Civic Association on April 24 at 7.30 pm at Taylor Elementary School…. if cyclists from that ‘hood what to show up and show concern. The Custis is not in the DRCA, but lots of folk from the DRCA are using the Custis.

The agenda for the April DRCA meeting has expanded. Due to the recent burglaries, thefts and vandalism of cars in Donaldson Run, I have invited a representative from the Arlington Police Department to speak at the meeting.

The “I” here is the DRCA president.

[Author]

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