|
|
|
THERESA:
Lately I've been feeling more and more angry (especially given the nice weather we've had recently) because I don't feel comfortable running by myself in the Wissahickon or even along Kelly Drive because of the assaults against women that occurred in Fairmount Park last year. I love running with friends or with my husband, and occasionally with the Philly Runners running club, but sometimes it would be so nice to slap on the headphones and go for a long, quiet, lost-in-the-scenry run all by myself. I know I could avoid trails and stick to running on neighborhood streets, but I hate pounding my joints on the pavement and stopping for traffic lights. I love trail running, especially in Fairmount Park. I know I do see other women running alone, which makes me wonder if I'm too cautious about this. Do other women carry pepper spray? Do I need to take a self-defense course? Have other women changed their running routines because a homicidal maniac is still at large in our city?
JILL:
I've long since accepted caution as the mandatory way to live and am horrified when I see women running alone in isolated places. I admire you for still being angry about it. It's just a given for me, no doubt because danger affects every aspect of our lives, not just the freedom to exercise wherever we want. I think women who take unnecessary risks may not appreciate their own vulnerability.
ELLEN: I am sorry to say that I would not walk in those areas without another person. It is a shame that we can’t as a community get together and do a Town Watch or some other protocol for those who want to use the parks and trails.
THERESA: Lots of folks in the community are on the case, fortunately. Philly Runners and other running clubs are working with the city to make the parks safer for runners. According to my pal Kevin Gruenfeld who leads the Philly Runners, the city is working to address cell phone gaps, emergency call boxes, path lighting, mirrors for blind spots (such as on West River Drive near Falls Bridge when it curves and the path is under a bridge), better signage, a possible bulletin board kiosk at strategic places such as Lloyd Hall and more. And the Philly Runners are also working with other clubs to coordinate a master list of all regularly scheduled group runs. The Friends of the Wissahickon offers safety tips on their website. And so on and so on. All for the good.
But I still am longing to hit one of my favorite trails for some alone time running and listening to my music. (And it's supposed to be especially risky to run with headphones on!)
JULIE: The whole reason I started running was because it gives me time to myself and my own thoughts. I still run alone, even along the Wissahickon. I usually run mid-morning, when there's more people on the trails, but I sometimes do feel isolated. I try not to think about it and just pay attention to my surroundings. That said, I saw a woman running alone along Broad Street near Spring Garden last night and I thought she must be absolutely crazy. What was she thinking?
ELLEN: I do think we all need to watch out for each other. I saw a guy dart into our parking garage the other night. People were streaming out of the lot and no one said anything as this guy appeared to yell at no one and run in and out of our garage.
I got myself out of the lot and then asked the guard to follow up. A man in front of me came over and prompted the guard again. I was shocked no one else was concerned.
It turns out he was with some fellow parker. I’m still glad I asked.
When I am driving and see those women running alone, I tend to look around for them. This probably sounds a little nutty. But if the monsters out there knew that all of us in cars were looking out for solo runners, they might not pull the junk that they do.
YVONNE W: I'm very cautious about running in the early morning and alone. I only run outdoors between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. I don't understand women that run alone in isolated areas, because I believe no matter how well trained a woman is in defense techniques a man can still overpower her.
Why not run with the one of the local running clubs such as Philly Runners (www.phillyrunners.org)? But be aware that I ran with them one dark, rainy night after the second attack in Fairmount Park and was surprised by how fast they are. I'm only a 10-minute miler. So, I ended up running much of the time alone in the pitch dark along Kelly Drive. I told myself that nothing would happen, but I looked behind me at one point, and some scary-looking guy who had passed me was just standing on the trail, watching me. It made the little hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The good news is that it made me really kick it back to the Art Museum, where I caught up with the rest of the group. But there are other groups around.
One more thing. It's imperative that female runners learn at least basic self defense moves. Because even if you're aware of your surroundings and someone comes at you, what are you going to do? Scream? Bill Harley, who teaches karate here at Philadelphia Newspapers, has mentioned that he'd be willing to do a short, self defense course. He can be reached at 215-854-4865.
I live right on the edge of the park, near Forbidden drive in West Mount Airy. I used to think nothing of running alone during the daylight hours on the approximately one mile of wooded trails that run from my house to Forbidden drive. I even would often stop and sit on a rock near the stream to cool down if it was a nice day. Since I moved to Philadelphia about 4.5 years ago I have been impressed with this part of Fairmount park because it was so "natural." I was drawn to it not only because of its serenity but also because remarkably it felt like I was in the woods near my home in Vermont where I lived until my mid-20's. I was so amazed that such a place could exist in such a large city and despite feeling so secluded it "seemed" to be amazingly free of crime.
Later I learned that a woman had been raped on Kelly drive and it was not made public until months later and only then because it had been linked to a rape/murder in another portion of the park. It made me wonder how deserved that reputation of safety was. Perhaps there were other crimes in the park that we were not informed about?
Now I definitely would not run on the trails in the park unless I was with someone else. In fact I won't run alone anywhere in Philadelphia parks right now, except perhaps the first 1.5 miles traveling north from the art museum on Kelly and back during the daylight hours. This portion of the trails seems so "populated" that it seems unlikely that someone would be brazen enough to attack with the threat of witnesses turning the corner any second. However even there I feel nervous when the trail passes too close to bushes like around or just before the climbing rock or when no other people are in sight.
I really miss feeling that I can safely head out the door of my house for a run in the park whenever the mood strikes. I now believe I have to schedule a running appointment wit a friend or run with the clubs during their scheduled times to be safe. While I do enjoy running with friends and the clubs there are times I enjoy running alone. There is nothing quite like running alone in the park with no other sounds than the pumping of your heart and the birds singing in the trees.
I do think that if I could be assured that we are informed of criminal events in the park, (such as is done at Penn in a free publication distributed regularly to all associated with the university listing all criminal activity that occurred during a specific period of time) I am convinced that there is a low probability of being harmed and when this guy is captured I would perhaps brave being alone in the park. However I don't think I will ever regain the sense of security I once had in Fairmount park.
Up until recently, I used to do all of my running in Fairmount Park and on my own. Because I live nearby, it was very convenient to run out and back mostly along Kelly Drive. I didn't really think twice about running out to the Falls bridge by myself, as long as it was light outside (early evening), and I also ran the entire loop by myself at times. Now, because of recent events, I don't feel safe running by myself and I've had to find alternate routes and/or times to run in order to complete my training. If I don't get home from work early enough, I now have to run through the city which means dodging traffic and people. While it definitely provides a change of scenery, its not nearly as relaxing as the monotony of going out and back on Kelly Drive and knowing exactly how far to go to complete that days distance. When I am in Fairmount Park by myself, I don't feel safe going beyond Strawberry Mansion bridge because there are a lot less people out there even in daylight hours. While I really enjoy running with the group (Philly Runners) on Tuesdays and Saturdays now, it's frustrating to be afraid to go running by myself and to feel like I have to be on the look out for anyone suspicious at all times.
On a lighter note, I'm glad that there are groups of people to run with, and this did give me the motivation to actually join Philly Runners, instead of just thinking about it.
I do not run with any of the groups as my schedule and slow pace tend me toward a solitary run.
I do run on Forbidden Drive on weekends, and I have been very concerned about my safety. Although the Drive itself is well-used, there are so many trails off of the Drive that it is impossible to feel completely secure. It would be very easy for someone to approach the Drive quickly and force a runner off of it without ever being seen.
I am also in the criminal justice business -- and I have lots of thoughts about safety. Runners can be valuable protectors of other runners if they have some hints about what to do, what to look for, etc. And the police should be about providing that to us.
Second, the only time I have ever seen a police officer (meaning here, Fairmount Park Police) on Forbidden Drive was the twice I have seen the same officer, sitting in his jeep, with the motor running, outside of the Valley Green Inn. His interest, presumably, was in the parking situation rather than the safety of the miles and miles of trail and the Drive itself. I have seen trash trucks on the drive, but not police cars. But there too -- there is no reason that trash collectors cannot function as more eyes and ears if they are trained and encouraged to do so.
Third, the Police -- both Park and Phila. -- should be out along all of the drives handing out flyers with the description of now 2 rapists, along with safety tips, what to look for, who to call, what to do if approached, etc. I have seen police out giving parking tickets along Fountain Drive but not out along the drives talking to runners, handing out leaflets, or even just being a presence.
Fourth, are there police officers who run on the drives or in the parks? Why not ask them to run with Police regalia on while they run? Tee shirts and jackets that have police logos prominently displayed, or even their badges.
Fifth, the police emphasis should not just be on female runners. Male runners ought to be enccouraged to take some responsibility for having their eyes and ears open too. And to not feel hesitant to ask if they see something that makes them wonder or uncertain. Better to be embarrassed then to have missed a chance to prevent a crime. I know it would make me feel better. I speak to everyone as I run -- but I notice that many runners just ignore me. I speak as a safety measure -- and I wish others would take a moment to notice that I am alone and make a small contact even if only a nod or smile.
Sixth, are the various law enforcement agencies sharing information among themselves to try and find these guys? Have the police agencies worked together -- do they have a joint task force? Are their superiors asking for regular updates on their work and putting some pressure on them? Are they working with probation and parole agencies to visit known sex offenders in the area? Are they looking at suspicious incidents or people in areas outside the parks?
I was born and raised in the city of Philadelphia, and as someone who has lived here all my life, I know the "rules" of my city. There are safe places to run, and not so safe places to run.You have to make the right judgement call, and sometimes that means avoiding certain places that are pretty or natural, for instance Valley green or ForBidden Drive. These are remote areas, and are not safe for anyone to run, especially woman running by themselves. I prefer to run by myself, but given the fact that there still could be a rapist/killer in the Philadelphia area, woman runners need to take precautionary measures to protect themselves. I never run to music, this is a perfect way for someone to become totally unaware of their surroundings and make themselves an easy target.I also avoid the West river Drive unless I'm running with a group. The Kelly drive is alot safer because it is a wide open area, and closer to traffic.It is also important for woman who have long hair to keep it pulled back or under a hat when they run. If someone should suddenly come up from behind, having a ponytail is an easy target . I have found it necessary to run with a cell phone, a whistle, and pepper spray.Although I love to run by myself, I have joined a running club called Philly Runners. It is safer to run in numbers than to run by yourself.it is also a good idea, that if for any reason a woman should suddenly feel afraid while she is running, the best thing to do is to forfeit the run, and simply trust your instincts.
Posted by: Joanne Margolis on January 7, 2004 07:43 PMI have to say that the original writer's comment about "slapping on the headphones" just makes my blood run cold. Cutting yourself off to the sounds in your environment is increasing your risk by an awful lot. I always feel uneasy when I see women who've isolated themselves in this way. No matter how safe (or unsafe) the surroundings, please stay attuned to what's going on around you. (and as a bicyclist, it's also hard for me to give a polite warning that I'm passing to someone with headphones)
Posted by: Mary on January 12, 2004 09:18 PMI never run alone with my headphones on. I know it's too risky. But I wish I could.
Posted by: Theresa on January 13, 2004 03:22 PMI'm glad I stumbled on this discussion. I will be visiting Philly this weekend (from the D.C. area) and I enjoy running in the park around the art museum when I come up. I checked the Philly Runners schedule and there are no run times that will work for me. I'll need to run Sunday early in the a.m. I guess I'll just stay alert and leave the headphones at home! Thanks for the heads up.
Posted by: Laura E. on January 15, 2004 09:20 AMThe Fairmount Running Club has a regular Sunday run at 9 a.m. starting at Lloyd Hall on Kelly Drive. The distance is around 5 or six miles. Check their website for info: http://www.runfairmount.org/
Sounds like a lot of us find a running club schedule hard to meet or are not up to running at their pace. Does anyone know of anywhere that a posting could get started of runs you want to do, the date/time, distance and speed and then others could respond if interested?
Posted by: Marcy on January 20, 2004 10:54 AMThat's something to consider. I also want to add that slower runners shouldn't shy away from running with organized clubs. Philly Runners welcomes runners of all paces. I've run at a comfortable 10-minute-mile pace around the Kelly Drive loop with them a couple times.
Posted by: Theresa on January 20, 2004 05:06 PMMany activity clubs in Philadelphia have now gotten together to assemble a master list of all club activities in Fairmount Park. This list can be found at www.runphilly.org This list not only contains the schedule for Philly Runners (of which I am VP) but also for other running clubs, biking, rollerblading clubs, etc. It also includes links to the clubs' own wesbites where you can contact the clubs directly and get the most up to date schedule.
Posted by: Seth Weiss on March 31, 2004 02:39 PMDon't forget the fairmount running club we have many runs now and more are being added each week. Check our website at runfairmount.org or contact Da prez at 215-460-2870 for more details.
We medt tuesday 6:45 art musuem, wednesday 6pm Lloyd hall, and thursday nights 6:45 mus. Friday mornings at 6:30 am @Lloyd hall and Sunday mornings also 9am Lloyd hall.
We also offer a ton of social events and races to volunteer at and run.
Don't forget to check the site.
There was a man that decided to take his 10 year old bicycle riding in the city streets. The man and son were struck and killed. To me the saddest part is that the man caused both deaths by doing what times will show cannot be done. We simply have to change with the times. Rapists and serial killers are rampant, they strike without warning, yet the more they rape, the more half naked joggers run along trails. Why, ? are people so stubborn and set into doing what THEY want and not what is BEST for you. Times change, and we simply cannot INDULGE everything we want. Just like with the man that desired to ride a bike, surely he must have realized that times changed, from when you could ride on city streets, back when there was hardly 2 cars coming down a residential block in a month let alone a day...yet because he WANTED to, he ignored the times, and is dead. Are you going to continue to seek attention, running in shorts to show off your body, and risk deadly harm, when times have changed? when it is safer to exercise in a GYM or your home? just to have the attention you get from onlookers as you run? Yes, some girls have excellent figures that we that look on would LOVE to own, but is showing off the body worth risking deadly harm???? TIMES have CHANGED ...be safe, change with the times. GO to the Gym and LIve a safer healthier life for goodness sake. How can educated people be so set in doing WHAT THEY WANT instead of what is best for them. Not hardly a day goes by, that I did not think of that little boy following his father's poor judgment, his father's desire to "ride in the city street" when there are thousands of cars streaming down city streets. Bikes, Jogging, it is all the same. Change with the times. Don't be stubborn and in danger. Negotiate your desire with the safest way to get some exercise, forget showing off, be safe in a gym, jogging is just outfor now, like horses and buggies. Truth, not pretty, but that's the way it is. Times have CHANGED ...change with them.
Posted by: Laura on April 22, 2004 03:34 AMI recently (in the last month) started running along the path through the Schuykill River Park and continuing onto the path along Kelly Drive. Previously I had always joined the path at the Art Museum and continued along Kelly Drive. The section of the path immediately south of the Spring Garden Bridge through a green grassy opening, however, seems unsafe to me. There is an unusual amount of activity between the path and the riverbank and also in the trees on the edge of the grass on the far side from the path. Not only do there seem to be lookouts along the path but also men are heading down in the direction of the water's edge. This week I started detouring by the Art Museum again. Any thoughts on safety in this area?
Thanks, Peri
Peri, I was wondering the same thing....I too noticed that section. I was out this Saturday and there were a lot of people on the trails/paths but also a group of men just hanging out by the water. I felt very self conscious and wondered why there are no police or security patroling the new paths. I mean, it makes more sense to put someone down there than just hanging out by the fountains, etc, where I always seem to see police. I mean, I understand the though behind the plan of the trail--it is perfect for me, can pick it up by my apt and continue to Kelly drive. but really, running along railroad tracks underneath a major highway? if you scream for help, who will hear you?
so I guess I don't have an answer Peri, but i share your opinion ....
Posted by: April Lan on May 17, 2004 01:09 PMI agree the new path connecting Kelly Drive to Center City is great! But I intend to follow my general rule for running Kelly Drive and the loop when I'm alone -- only during daylight, and only when there are plenty of other people around. It's been a while since there's been any news about the rapist. Anyone know anything new?
Posted by: Michelle on June 18, 2004 11:43 AMActually, Michelle, we just had a brief today saying someone arrested in Puerto Rico may fit the description, and they're going to do a DNA match. Stay tuned.
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/news/local/8952746.htm
Posted by: admin on June 18, 2004 12:14 PMI am training for my first marathon- Philly- and have to do a 20 miler on halloween weekend. I'd love some company. I run about a 9 and half to 10 minute miles. I was thinking of maybe doing it on the schyukill bike path.Anyone interested?
Posted by: Heather on October 9, 2004 04:40 PMYou are invited to check out the pages about online gambling online gambling http://www.online-gambling-4u.net/ online gambling online gambling http://www.onlinegambling-4u.net/ flowers flowers http://www.flowers-4u.net/ ... Thanks!!!
Posted by: online gambling on November 30, 2004 03:22 AMYou can also check some helpful info about http://www.edmontgomeryministries.org/ http://www.edmontgomeryministries.org/ texas hold em http://www.mrgoicoechea.com/ http://www.mrgoicoechea.com/ texas holdem http://www.kapsociety.org/ http://www.kapsociety.org/ phentermine http://www.pocketsound.org/ http://www.pocketsound.org/ online casino http://www.maloylawn.com/ http://www.maloylawn.com/ texas hold em http://www.online-forex-trading-4u.info/ http://www.online-forex-trading-4u.info/ online forex trading http://www.commodity-trading-4u.info/ http://www.commodity-trading-4u.info/ commodity trading http://www.forex-trading-4u.info/ http://www.forex-trading-4u.info/ forex trading http://www.forex-4u.info/ http://www.forex-4u.info/ forex http://www.woodyracing.co.uk/ http://www.woodyracing.co.uk/ auto insurance http://www.1stincomeracing.co.uk/ http://www.1stincomeracing.co.uk/ online gambling http://www.sicarrow.co.uk/ http://www.sicarrow.co.uk/ car rental http://www.superdolphins.org/ http://www.superdolphins.org/ diamond rings http://www.texasproptax.com/ http://www.texasproptax.com/ tax http://www.hermosa.us/ http://www.hermosa.us/ travel http://www.academyofmusic.us/ http://www.academyofmusic.us/ las vegas http://www.australia-online-travel.com/ http://www.australia-online-travel.com/ hotels http://www.ourtownhelps.org/ http://www.ourtownhelps.org/ texas holdem http://www.berwickfoundation.org/ http://www.berwickfoundation.org/ health insurance http://www.acrs.us/ http://www.acrs.us/ debt consolidation http://www.alphacarolinas.org/ http://www.alphacarolinas.org/ ebay http://www.monavaletoys.com/ http://www.monavaletoys.com/ flowers http://www.vintage-watces-4u.info/ http://www.vintage-watces-4u.info/ vintage watches http://www.currency-converter-4u.info/ http://www.currency-converter-4u.info/ currency converter http://www.currency-trading-4u.info/ http://www.currency-trading-4u.info/ currency trading http://www.currency-exchange-4u.info/ http://www.currency-exchange-4u.info/ currency exchange http://www.forex-trading-system-4u.info/ http://www.forex-trading-system-4u.info/ forex trading system http://www.forex-market-4u.info/ http://www.forex-market-4u.info/ forex market http://www.handmade2000.co.uk/ http://www.handmade2000.co.uk/ antique watches http://www.philippestarckwatches.co.uk/ http://www.philippestarckwatches.co.uk/ watches http://www.fortisenterprises.co.uk/ http://www.fortisenterprises.co.uk/ wine http://www.kardtoons.co.uk/ http://www.kardtoons.co.uk/ credit cards http://www.slatersdvds.co.uk/ http://www.slatersdvds.co.uk/ dvd http://www.digitaltwist.co.uk/ http://www.digitaltwist.co.uk/ digital cameras http://www.wayshell.co.uk/ http://www.wayshell.co.uk/ Jewelry ... Thanks!!!
Posted by: forex trading on December 15, 2004 11:20 AMOnline Casinos
Posted by: Online Casinos on September 24, 2006 09:37 AM