Originally Posted by
Larry Linder
Hello, my name is Margie and I am posting for my husband. He has ridden the Santa Ana bike trail from Anaheim to Newport on a weekly basis for the last 3 years. Last Thursday evening, Feb 2, 2010, he was attacked by 3 gang bangers on the trail.
They hid in the bushes and ambushed him. The first 2 tried to push him down unsuccessfully and the third one waited 50 feet ahead of the other two and swung a mountain bike against him in an attempt to knock him off his bike. Fortunately he was able to get away with only some cuts and bruises. After he got away, he stopped to call 911. The 3 men were apprehended but because it was so dark, he was unable to identify either of them. It was no doubt one of the scariest moments of his life. I am posting to communicate to others that there are some parts of the trail that are inhabited by gang members. This is probably not news to some riders. But if this post saves a life then it is worth the effort. I also am posting to find other riders who might want to ride on this trail with my husband.
I have created this post for him at his request since he is busy working at the moment. He will be the one following the thread. I sincerely hope that anyone interested will respond. Thank you and let's all take care of each other on these bike trails.
Those of us that may use the SART can assure you we a
ppreciate the heads up. The last time I was down there I noticed many homeless camps under the street overpasses. Because of that I would caution riding the SART close to dark anyway. But if I were in the area and had the same work hours as your husband I would have been happy to join him on his rides. But I would also encourage an alternate route that late in the afternoon. There are parts of the SGRT I might consider a different route on even during the day.