[RP TownTalk] Anacostia Trail Update

[David Lingua]

Friends and Neighbors,

On July 1 the Riverdale Park Public Safety Committee and Mayor Archer met to discuss the assaults of early June along and near the bike trail. M-NCPPC Chief of Police Larry M. Brownlee, Sr. and members of his staff attended the meeting at the invitation of Chief Chambers and Captain Timmons. The ensuing review and discussion produced the following measures:
- M-NCPPC Police is reassigning officers in administrative positions to patrol duty, allowing for greater trail surveillance with current patrol officers.
- So as to maximize patrol time on the paths and in the parks, Park Police are storing equipment at the Town’s station.
- Both departments concurred to coordinate efforts towards a high enforcement, high visibility operation along the portion within Riverdale Park and especially the portion
 at the MD410 underpass.
- M-NCPPC intends to prohibit loitering in specific areas.
- In an effort to decrease response times, M-NCPPC intends to improve trail marking with color-coordinated markers and labeling bridges and landmarks.
- Coming out of the Mt. Rainer meeting held June 30, M-NCPPC will look at convex mirrors and other low-tech approaches.
- M-NCPPC is working on a grant proposal that, if awarded, would fund the installation of emergency call centers along the trail.

While these are the efforts both the M-NCPPC and Riverdale Park Police will work together to implement, those on the trails and in the parks can play an important role as well. M-NCPPC Park Police sponsors a volunteer trail watch group; eight evening training classes held over two months beginning in the fall. If you are a regular user of the trail, be it walking, running, or riding, you are encouraged to become part of a group that can make a big difference.
 Also it is important to be alert as you travel. Whenever possible use the buddy system. If alone, avoid unfamiliar areas or where visibility is poor. Use discretion and follow your intuition when potentially dealing with others you may not know. Do not wear headsets or ear buds. Carry a cell phone, identification including pertinent medical information, whistle or noisemaker and a quick fix repair kit. Learn the trail system, plan your route and let someone know when to expect you. 

Sincerely,
CM David Lingua, committee chairman
CM Alan Thompson
CM Keelah Allen-Smith
Town of Riverdale Park, MD




      
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