Security and Protection
Wheel Life column - December 23, 2000
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

Run 23 December 2000 with map of Galloping Goose Trail.

SECURITY AND PROTECTION

Last week a young woman was attacked on the Galloping Goose Trail in the View Royal area. She successfully fought the assailant off. The same attacker is suspected of having exposed himself to trail users in two incidents earlier this year.

Should these incidents stop you from using public trails? We hope not. It is important that responsible people like yourself continue using these facilities. Empty spaces become truly dangerous places. Every time you use a trail you make it safer for others.

It is important to put this risk into perspective. Watching the news you might conclude that a mad stranger lurks behind every bush. In fact, stranger assaults are rare. You are far more likely to be injured or killed in an automobile accident than by a stranger, but traffic crashes are simply too common to receive much media attention.

Hundreds of people use the Galloping Goose Trail each day. The risk of being attacked is actually very small, and is more likely to come from a dog than from a person. Rather than let fear stop you from cycling, jogging or walking in public, there are actions you can take to protect yourself from these risks.

Below are personal safety tips for children who cycle or walk, developed by police and the Way to Go! School Program (www.waytogo.icbc.bc.ca). Most apply equally to adults.

• Whenever possible, travel with friends.
• Tell someone where you are going, on what route, and when you'll be back. Don't take short cuts off of your agreed route.
• Trust your instincts. If you don't feel safe, leave. Call a trusted adult for help if you feel scared. Report suspicious persons or vehicles in your neighbourhood (note the licence plate and colour of the vehicle if you can).
• Phone home when leaving friends, work, etc. and say when you will be home. Phone home if you are delayed, or if your plans change.
• If you are grabbed by a stranger, yell loudly and run to the closest place where there will be other people around. If a stranger is in distress, contact an adult you trust (parents, Block Parents or store clerks) and ask them to get help.
• If you are cycling or walking in secluded areas (such as on a trail), consider carrying a flashlight, a small air horn or a cellular telephone. Do not carry a weapon, since it could be used against you.

If your child has been approached by a stranger: 1. Call the Police. The Police will compare the stranger's description with others in their files. Note the case file number; you may need to refer to it again if there are any further developments. 2. Notify your school administrator. Your school will alert the community of the incident, including a description of the person and when relevant, the vehicle involved. Police and the school district will determine whether or not a district-wide alert should be distributed.

If you ever find yourself threatened by a person or animal, follow these steps:

• Do not panic.
• Use your bike as a shield. If possible, hold it between you and your attacker.
• Stand tall and with confidence.
• In a clear and authoritative voice say, "Stay away from me" or simply "Stop!"
• If that fails, scream as loud as you can and run or cycle for help.  
• Fight only if you must. Aim for vulnerable spots like eyes, groin and body piercing.

There are also many ways to make communities and public facilities safer. Some local police perform "safety audits" to identify design strategies to increase personal safety, called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). For more information see:

Tom McKay, "The Right Design for Reducing Crime; Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design," (www.peelpolice.on.ca), March 1996.

WAC, Safety Audit Guide, Women's Action Centre Against Violence (Ottawa, 613-241-5414; wacav@istar.ca), 1996. $25

Social Research Associates, Personal Security Issues in Pedestrian Journeys, UK Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (www.mobility-unit.detr.gov.uk/psi), 1999.

Give our community a gift: take yourself, family and friends on a bicycle, scooter or walking adventure along one of our lovely regional trails. It's a great way to work off those hearty holiday meals.