Originally Posted by
raria
Are you saying the homeless and thugs on the trails meant people gave up cycling? That's sad and so unlike Eugene (or Oregon in general).
Long time Oregon rider here with experience in Eugene, Corvallis, Salem, and currently living in Portland.
This issue is real. Anecdotally, a number of people I've talked to (especially women) mention this as a specific reason for not riding.
Even in a major metropolitan area, dedicated bike paths are completely desolate except for during short key times. It's bad enough I'd rather take my chances on the roads late at night with the drunks than with meth addled criminals. Even those who stay on roads can get harassed when passing by places where thugs congregate.
I love riding in cold driving rain because it washes these problems away. Problems go through the roof in perfect weather.