“I wish I could just relax and enjoy riding my bike without having to worry about getting attacked.”
Location: Capital Crescent Trail
Time: Daytime (9:30am-3:30pm)
I haven’t been assaulted (lucky me!), but every time I walk or ride my bike on the Capital Crescent Trail, I feel afraid that might happen. So many people seem to blame female victims of sexual or other assault, and I just don’t get how anyone can be that stupid. Advice is to not go on it at night, or be alone on it at any time, the implication being that if you are alone or on it at night and something happens, your fault! I don’t have the option of not being alone, I only arrived in the area recently (from Europe) and don’t know anyone yet. Also, I like riding and walking alone. It’s a beautiful trail and gorgeous to ride or walk there on sunny days, but my enjoyment does get spoilt when I see a man walking or cycling alone who looks a bit creepy – and there are a lot of those. I wish I could just relax and enjoy riding my bike without having to worry about getting attacked. I’m absolutely sick of this. It’s always in the back of most women’s minds and it shrinks your life.
[Editor’s note: Capital Crescent Trail was in the news this summer for a number of robberies and at least one assault. A user also recently submitted a story on her experience on the trail years ago.]Submitted on 12/7/12 by “Kristin”
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If you experience or have experienced sexual harassment on the DC Metro system: Whether the event is happening at the moment or occurred months ago, we strongly encourage you to report to Metro Transit Police (MTP): www.wmata.com/
