Redding's extensive trail system is one of the city's greatest assets. But as crime spreads in surrounding areas, keeping the trails safe is a growing concern.
At a meeting Thursday a group of citizens, lead by councilwoman Missy McArthur, laid the foundation for a citizens patrol that would keep the area safe.
Traveling the trails is a daily ritual for many, and as can be expected, those that are there the most are the ones that notice the problems.
About 20 trail-goers showed interest Thursday in organizing a citizen’s patrol proposed by council woman Missy McArthur.
“What else can we do in our community to make our citizens feel safer,” said McArthur.
McArthur's idea isn't original. Several years back a similar group patrolled the trail on yellow bikes. Since that group stopped, the trails have expanded and so has the attendance.
Crime rates around the river trail are actually quite low and organizers want to keep it that way and that is why they are creating the group.
“We are just being preemptive. There are a few more sketchy people in our community than used to be here and we want them to be aware that we are keeping an eye on them,” said McArthur.
The logistics of how, when, and where the group will patrol still need to be worked out, but McArthur says she hopes things are in place by summer.
“Hopefully more and more people get out and feel safe on the trail and the bad guys will feel unsafe on the trail,” said McArthur.
TO MAKE THIS EFFORT A SUCCESS, THE PATROL NEEDS VOLUNTEERS WHO REGULARLY RIDE THE TRAILS.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO PARTICIPATE, CONTACT Missy McArthur at McArthur@ci.redding.ca.us
