The recent attacks on two women at the Uvas Levee trail have had
a chilling effect on one of Gilroy’s most-used recreation areas.
After Sunday’s still-unsolved crimes, foot traffic is down at the
levee’s trail, and that’s a sad impact on the quality of life of
Gilroyans.
The recent attacks on two women at the Uvas Levee trail have had a chilling effect on one of Gilroy’s most-used recreation areas. After Sunday’s still-unsolved crimes, foot traffic is down at the levee’s trail, and that’s a sad impact on the quality of life of Gilroyans.
While police are working to find the man suspected in both attacks, we have some suggestions to improve safety that will help until he is found and prosecuted.
Cut the brush at the levee to provide better sight lines for users and police and to provide fewer hiding spaces for criminals.
Increase bike and horse patrols at the levee. We understand that police have an entire city to patrol, but increased and more-visible patrols will restore confidence among residents and deter criminals. Given that the police’s equestrian unit stables are near the levee, increasing horse patrols along the levee trail should be relatively easy to do.
Enlist the help of the police Explorers in all of these endeavors.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to refresh our memories on safety tips for anyone exercising out-of-doors. These tips, adapted from “The Complete Book of Running for Women” by Claire Kowalchik, are wise whether you’re running at the Uvas Levee or along neighborhood streets:
Don’t wear earphones or headsets. We know that iPods and MP3 players are the newest, hottest gadgets, but you lose your sense of hearing, and greatly reduce your ability to be aware of your surroundings when you use them. Besides, wearing a hot new gadget can make you the target of thieves.
Carry a cell phone or change for a phone call. If you’re carrying change, learn the location of pay phones along your regular route.
Don’t exercise alone, if possible. Take a friend or man’s best friend – a dog – with you while you exercise.
Exercise in populated areas and avoid overgrown trails. When exercising at night, run in well-lit areas and wear reflective clothing.
Carry ID in your shoe, including any pertinent medical information.
Don’t wear jewelry.
When exercising along streets, run or walk against the flow of traffic. This allows you to see oncoming vehicles.
Carry a whistle and pepper spray. Three blasts on a whistle is a distress signal.
Maintaining the safety of our recreation areas maintains use of our recreation areas. As a community, let’s work together to make sure our parks and trails are safe for all of us. It’s the only way for Gilroyans to reap fully the benefit of the investments we’ve made in public safety and recreation programs.
