P4D

My buddy, who does not ride, suggested I take a weapon with me if I wanted to make the ride from the 91/55 freeways area toward the ocean via the Santa Ana River Trail. He claimed the area around Angel Stadium was a frequent 'problem area' for bike riders.

Is this true? Should I NOT make that ride?

TJClay

Never had a problem there and i go through that area at least once a week.

cyclezealot

I'd at least ride in large packs of riders.. This has not been a first report.. Stories from years past told of cyclists being held at gun point, and their bikes stolen.. Will a gun really help out.. The bandits will be lurking in the distance and will get you by surprise.. Riding , you 'll have a disadvantage, unless you mount automatic weaponry on your handlebars.

ZippyThePinhead

Where are you planning to carry your cohete? If in your seat bag, it could take you a while to put your hand to it. Say someone knocks you off your bike, will you be able to get to it at all? If on your person, I hope you clean the outside faithfully after each ride, so rust won't be a problem.

Seriously, provided you ride during daylight hours, I think your friend is probably overstating the danger a bit.

Mr. Beanz

Really? There is a new apt complex just sout of the stadium so there are plenty of joggers and dog walkers there. In my 15 years of riding the trail, I've never seen a sketchy character in that area myself. But if I were that scared of a section like this, I'd take up curling!

JustMe

Really?? I heard those curlers throw stones. You could get hit by one and smash a finger or something. Or maybe slip on the ice while running from one of the broom people. I hear it's really dangerous.

RUMORS!!

Mr. Beanz

Throwing stones!


This is a picture of the section right next to the stadium. If it scares you, don't hesitate to close your eyes.

I know a few female forum members that ride the entire trail,....ALONE!

But for added safety, when we ride throught this area, I have this guy in red escort us through the section, when he's around, nobody messes with us!

gypz

maybe your buddy ment the SGRT between imperial hwy and whittier narrows?

rooftest

Your buddy may be spooked by the dozen or so homeless that hang out across from the pond.

Note that homeless people rarely carry guns. I rode that MUP for many years - always alone - and never had a problem.

deitman

Never had a problem and have ridden it all times of the day, all days of the week, all times of the year. The homeless crowd at the park has never been an issue. Its within clear sight of the Honda Center and backs up to the shopping area and there's so many cyclists passing through from kids on up that I'm sure its monitored more than we'd notice. I'm more in line with thinking your buddy was talking about a part of the SGRT or part of the LA River Trail....

rooftest

The SGRT isn't bad, either. Can't comment on the LART - never ridden it.

calamarichris

Hahaha--firearms enthusiasts. They don't ride (or go outdoors much) so they have no idea that the world actually isn't the scary place portrayed on television.

Rick@OCRR

Any of those trails, SART, SGRT, LART, even Coyote Creek; they're all safe if you're riding with The Beanz!

The Beanz befriends the homeless on the trail, so they won't hurt you.

He is the Mayor of the Trail, on road or off. So take my advice, ride with the Beanzer (and Gina too!) and your life will be safe with no need to carry a gun.

The friendliness of Beanz is mightier than the sword (or the gun).

Rick / OCRR

surfrider

I'd think the place where the odds might be highest of getting mugged are farther south, towards the beach, between the bridge south of the golf course and the Harbor Blvd/Warner Ave area (about where the soccer fields are located). The neighborhoods in that area are some serious gang turf. But with all the traffic on the SART, the odds are pretty low.

If you stay on the SART and its during daylight hours, it shouldn't be a problem getting through that area. I've been riding the section between the beach and the Stadium for years and never had a problem, and will continue to ride it.

boniek1982

If you havent seen a "sketchy" character on the SART, then you havent been looking. There are gang-bangers out there quite often - they like to hangout around the soccer fields, the park next to the golfcourse, under overpasses and down by the river. I see them all the time, but have never been bothered. I do make a point of never riding after dark. My advice - be watchful and have a cellphone.

Mr. Beanz

Uhhh! I believe I was referring to the area near the stadium mentioned in the OP. Yes, there are a few now and then in the SA area, but for some reason I figured we were talking about the area near the stadium. Could be my reading comprehension.

swimmer88

I used to ride SART everyday. I think that the area through Santa Ana is much worse than the area near Angel Stadium. Once when riding through the Santa Ana area, I came up on a group of about 10-15 gang-bangers. I was a little scared, but I was respectful and slowed down considerably and they made room for me to pass through.

Seriously, if you're thinking about carrying a weapon to go on a freakin bike ride, maybe you should just stay at home on the trainer.

P4D

I wasn't actually going to carry a weapon, I don't own one for one and I'd crash just trying to get to it anyway. My friend is in law enforcement, and he was generalizing on the area but the area down towards Santa Ana sounds like what he was describing.

It just seemed so odd to me, I had to ask here. I was going to ride that in the AM, but I have a rear flat and just didn't want to monkey with the tire change tonight. Can't Wednesday, so I'll try on Thursday.

Now, how do I attach this gatling gun to my bars???

swimmer88

Just a welding torch and a few pieces of steel to mount it with. Make sure you have metal handlebars...no fancy-schmancy carbon fiber, lol.

azncarbos

^^^ hahahaha


Like some of others have said the area around the wooden bridge to Edinger can be unsafe, but living right next to SART near the 8.5 mile mark for 16 years now and remembering biking home from night Class over a Santa Ana College 10:15PM was interesting. I have seen a lot stuff happen on SART, but that was back in the days.

Garfield Cat

You might want to keep this link https://www.trailsafetypatrol.com/incidents.html

Mr. Beanz

Taken from the site:
"Everyday there are safety and crime incidents occuring along the Santa Ana River Trail."


That's funny, one of the main safety concerns is speeding cyclists!.....I myself would say I have encountered 1000 times more dangerous cyclists than any other hazard listed. They scare me more than the 13 yo homeboy that gives me the eye! I can scare him off by ringing my incredi-i-bell!

alicestrong

Try an LAPD ride. Police ecsorts FTW!!

JustMe

The "speeding bicyclists" situation must be serious. It's mentioned twice in the list. Anyone ever see any speed limit signs posted on the SART?? Wonder what constitutes a "speeding bicyclist"; over 10 mph, 12mph, we're flying now Gertrude.

Pamestique 

I do think riding SART has become more dangerous than it used to be especially if early or late during the week. Carrying a weapon however is just foolish and would only invite trouble. The thing to do is 1) ride when other riders are out - generally the weekend and late morning to early afternoon. 2) rides with friends - more is better. 3) ride with purpose, don't hesitate or slow down. Now remember if someone wants you or your bike, there is probably no stopping them so 4) ride cautiously. Be observate.

As a woman I never ride SART alone anymore which is sad 'cause I used to almost every day after work. The people hanging around the A are homeless but generally harmless, not my main concern. The people south of the "A" are more likely to be a problem especially as you go from Orange to Santa Ana/Costa Mesa. I try and bypass that area.