Running Safety, Walking Safety,
Biking Safety FAQ
Is a predator lurking on your path? Learn running safety, walking safety, & biking safety from crime victims for what you should and should not do.
Runners often ignore safety. Addicted to the exhilarating “runner’s high,” they run in lonely areas without a care in the world. But if you're a victim of violent crime, you might never run again.
A PREDATOR'S FAVORITE TARGETS
Easy prey:
► Anyone talking on a cell phone or wearing earphones – unable to hear impending dangers around her.
► Anyone looking friendly, timid, lost, or absent-minded – she's more easily stalked.
► Anyone unaware she's being followed until she's isolated.
► Anyone enjoying a secluded countryside, beach, woods, or park.
Sarah Fox was strangled in New York City's Inwood Hill park. It’s a lovely place, but also full of peril. If you scream no one's going to hear.
THERE IS SAFETY IN NUMBERS
Running safety, walking safety, & biking safety all involve the risk of being isolated with no help or even any witnesses around. Always remember that the law of the wilderness always rules - predators attack the prey that stray away from the herd.
At the very least, be with as many friends as possible, each of you carrying pepper spray in plain sight to deter a predator – staying alert for a surprise ambush (though that won't help much against a gunman).
You can lessen your risk by staying in a more populated area. If the crowd starts thinning out, go with them. Gamble in a casino – not in your life.
“SAFE” NEIGHBORHOODS ARE ILLUSIONS
A Princeton NJ woman, walking alone along a bike path at night, was tackled from behind by a man with a knife, dragged off the path and raped. Neighbors are shocked that such a violent crime could happen in the quiet and safe upscale area. Bikers, joggers, and dog walkers use the unlighted path around the clock.
ISOLATED PREY
Joan Diver was murdered on a bike path in suburban Buffalo’s wealthiest community – where the "it couldn't happen here" attitude is widespread. It was the second such recent murder in the area, yet few have changed their ways. Altemio Sanchez, a church-going, suburban, well-respected, beloved husband and father later confessed to murdering her and raping a dozen other women, murdering three over a 20-year period on that same bike path - all in broad daylight. The day after Diver's body was found, two women were running nearby, separately, with few others around. One was wearing headphones, and the other was talking on a cell phone. The naiveté of the prey never ceases to amaze.
BAD ADVICE MYTH-BUSTER
The news media warned the public after a woman was raped while
walking through a park after midnight. The police outlined safety
suggestions including:
► Walk with a partner
► Carry a cell phone
► Stick to well-lit routes
► Let someone know where you are.
That's the typically USELESS ADVICE after an attack. Let’s look more closely at this “wisdom”:
► Walk with a partner. WHY? Just two of you can be attacked at gun or knifepoint - four or more of you have a better chance of detering a single predator. See Hostage/Slave on Survival Options - Hostage Taking
► Carry a cell phone. Well, even IF you can possibly manage to
call for help while being attacked (unlikely), the average police
response time is ELEVEN minutes (even worse in a park). So, yeah, carry
one, but know its limits.
► Stick to well-lighted routes. WHY? Criminals attack in daylight, too. They don't care much about lighting – they care far more about witnesses
seeing them. That's why they choose isolated ambushes – regardless of the lighting. Still, lighted areas are somewhat better, but not much help.
► Let someone know where you are. WHY? Like the police, any help will likely arrive far too late.
Lesson: beware of well-meaning, but lame-brained advice.
BETTER ADVICE
INSTEAD, here are the biking, walking, and running safety tips you need:
DON’T go to isolated places, especially alone. If you must go to an isolated place, go only with a group of friends – all armed and ready with Pepper Spray and a Personal Security Alarm (noisemaker or screamer).
However, it’s FAR better for biking, walking, and running safety to simply always avoid lonely areas. Mother Nature will not save you. See Camping and Hiking Safety
Btw, females commit approximately 20% of violent crime (per the FBI). So evaluate ALL strangers by their behavior and red flags.
And... do you know how to deal with a Dog Attack on you or a loved one?
WHEN IT'S DO OR DIE
Candice Moncayo was running on a trail in San Diego CA when she was attacked by John Gardner III without warning (he was later arrested for the murder of teenager Chelsea King on the same path). Moncayo bravely fought, elbowing him hard in the nose, making him pause long enough to allow her to run away.
Yes, she escaped through valiant self defense. But it's better to avoid such dangers beforehand by following the above advice.
Pages related to Running Safety, Walking Safety, & Biking Safety:
NOTICE: This non-profit website is for informational purposes only and is drawn from the bibliography and USDOJ. Use the information at your own risk. See disclaimers.
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