Metropolitan Branch Trail Safety

I have been thinking about this topic and post for awhile now and wanted to wait until I had all my thoughts together to write it. I love the Met Branch Trail - I walk, ride and run on it many times a week if not every day. I have never had a problem or unpleasant interaction while I am on it. Earlier this summer there were a rash of incidents of kids throwing rocks at people and if you have not heard this past week some kids threw urine on a biker. There have been other reports of people being pushed off their bikes and injured or hit. All of these reports upset me and enrage me that a community amenity is being abused instead of celebrated.

Then the question arises is how do we stop these kind of things from happening and make the trail a place everyone can enjoy? There are many things that are being and have been done. DDOT installed cameras earlier this year on the Eckington section of the trail and reported that seemed to stop the rash of rock throwing. They have now installed a camera in the Edgewood section of the trail and are looking into installing more. MPD has regularly been patrolling the trail and is aware of the need for continued patrols. There are the obvious things that you can do to make yourself feel safer - go in groups or with a friend, have your cell ready to dial if necessary (mine will voice dial which is great), take your dog, go at different times of day, call 911 if you see anything suspicous and look out for your neighbors. If you look at most of the reported incidences they seem to occur from late afternoon to evening, to bike riders, people that were by themselves, and near entrance points to the trail. I firmly believe that more eyes on the trail the better and I hope that everyone will continue to use it and encourage others to as well.

There are ways you can get involved with the trail. The Edgewood Walk/Run/Bike group meets every Tuesday, the new DCBIA nature trail and plants to explore, and the 5K planning group which is meeting tonight - information below.


When: Monday, October 4, 2010
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Although we have moved the start time to 6:30 p.m., please feel free to come as you are able.)
Where: NOMA BID Office, 1200 First Street, NE, Suite 310, Washington, D.C. 20002 (You will be asked to sign in at the front desk, after which you can ask the attendant to send you up to the third floor) Nearest Metro is New York Avenue Station on the Red Line.
Agenda: See below

If you have not done so already, please RSVP to cristinaesteron@yahoo.com so that we have an idea as to how many to expect.

Thank you so much!

Cristina & Sherri

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MBT 5K Race/Walk Organizing Meeting
Monday, October 4, 2010
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
NoMa BID

1. Introductions
2. Overview of Confirmed Race Details
3. Overview of Contract Obligations of DC Road Runners Club
4. Organizing Lead Volunteers
5. Sponsorship Brainstorming
6. Set Next Meeting Date and Potential Topics for Next Meeting