Cycle of Crime and Risk

Urban biking is healthful exercise for some and enjoyable transportationfor others. But as most experienced cyclists know, bikeways aren’t immune to crime.

A double homicide occurred on the L.A. River Bikeway near Glendale Boulevard on Sept. 14. Two men on foot, ages 18 and 33, were found shot to death, prompting questions about whether the trail is a safe place for bicyclists, children and families.

Los Angeles Police Det. John Berdin says an investigation showed that the crime was a gang-related act of violence “that could have happened anywhere.” It occurred overnight, when the bike path is closed to the public. He said one or more arrests are likely in the case.

Should people be wary of using the bikeway?

“I think it would be like telling people that you can’t use the parks,” Berdin said. “I don’t see people lying in wait and preying on people on the bikeway.”

Unfortunately, no place gets a free ride when crime is concerned. As vividly proclaimed by graffiti on the river’s channelized walls, taggers have long had free run of the area. In the last couple of years, Berdin said, police have stepped up attempts to flush criminal activity out of the river area.

Crime statistics show the bikeway has significantly less crime than nearby Atwater Village and the area northeast of the river’s intersection with Glendale Boulevard.

Nonetheless, the detective advises people to be as wary of crime on the bikeway as they would anywhere else in a large city. And he noted that though bikeway users might feel safe there during daylight hours, darkness can add an unsavory element to the scene. “It’s a different place at night,” Berdin said.