What to know about safety measures along Charlotte greenways amid attacks on pedestrians
Recent local headlines have put a spotlight on the dangers that runners, walkers and cyclists can face when exercising in public places and what can be done to help keep them safer.
Most recently, a woman fought off an attacker who reportedly attempted to rape her on McAlpine Creek Greenway in east Charlotte in early September, police said. Later the same week, according to police, another woman reported being sexually assaulted while walking on a trail in Matthews.
Here’s what to know about safety features and protocols in place in Mecklenburg County parks and greenways:
Do Mecklenburg County parks and greenways have emergency call boxes?
Mecklenburg County does not have emergency call boxes in its parks system, according to parks department spokeswoman Rebecca Carter.
“Studies show that blue light boxes have not only been made obsolete by the rise of cell phones but that they also come with a host of technical issues including frequent malfunctions, the potential for prank usage and the necessity of the user needing to remain in close proximity of the box after calling for help, which may jeopardize their safety,” she said in an email to The Charlotte Observer.
She added that the parks department has “future plans” to “install additional signage on existing mile and location markers along County greenways with enhanced location information that will improve location identification for first responders.”
Does CMPD patrol area parks and greenways?
Whether or not CMPD conducts “proactive” patrols of parks and greenways is determined by “the division command staff of the division in which a park is located,” department spokesman Lt. Stephen Fischbach told the Observer.
“CMPD officers also work in an off-duty secondary employment capacity at the parks,” he continued. “This is an arrangement between Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation and the off-duty officers.”
More safety tips for runners, walkers and cyclists
Calling it “a harsh reality that people have been attacked,” the Road Runners Club of America recommends that runners and others who exercise outdoors learn self-defense strategies.
The group, a coalition of running groups from across the country, also recommends always having your phone and identification with you when out and letting someone know when you’re going out.
They also suggest running in well-lit areas that you’re familiar with but also to vary your route and avoid posting on social media about your route.
If you’re using headphones, you should “keep the volume low enough that you can maintain awareness of your surroundings.”
The group also advises you should trust your instincts if someone or something is making you uncomfortable and not hesitate to call the police if something happens or if you see something happening to someone else.
