The Rock Island Trail

Safety on trail

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pas from Wentzville on 5/14/2006 8:14:41 AM:

Hi, I've been riding the Katy Trail (Eastern section) for about 2 months with my husband and son on the weekends. I'd like to ride some sections alone during the week. How safe is it for a woman to ride alone? It seems fine, but I thought that I would ask, and get feedback from all of you. Thanks.

MAH from KCMO on 5/14/2006 8:55:30 AM:

I've ridden all sections of the trail along with many rides on the western section alone. I've never had any problems or felt threatened by anyone. My only problem was a VERY angry BIG dog that came running out of the woods at me between Clinton and Windsor. It chased me for about 1/4 mile but I was able to outrun it. I now carry pepper spray just in case we meet again (and I think my husband feels better knowing I have it handy when I ride alone).

sharron sussman from Julian California on 5/14/2006 10:33:45 AM:

Just rode the ~150 miles from Boonville to St. Charles on the trail as a woman alone and I must say it felt safer than the ~150 miles on the roads between KC Airport and Boonville. Which I am assured was safer than the ride between KC Airport and Clinton would have been! Don't worry, trust your instincts, carry pepper spray - it would be hard to pull out quick unless you engineer it right, but just knowing you have it keeps your confidence up. For dogs too, not that I met a scary one this trip, but it can happen.

Sharron

pas from Wentzville on 5/15/2006 7:14:59 AM:

Thanks, I appreciate the advice! The pepper spray is a great idea, I will find some this week.

sbikes from Kansas City on 5/15/2006 6:56:26 PM:

HALT is what I carry. It will clip onto your brake cable. I have been riding the trail by myself
for years and have never had any personal safety issues. I have had to spray a dog or two,
but I think the Trail is as safe as it gets (however safe that is!).

pas from Wentzville on 5/18/2006 7:52:10 PM:

Thanks for your comments and encouragement. I made it out on the trail today "solo", with mace and cell phone in tow. I had a wonderful time! I did an easy 25 miles, and I felt so relaxed after I finished! I will certainly do it again. Thanks again

sbikes from Kansas City on 5/18/2006 9:14:01 PM:

Riding alone can be a wonderful experience. I like to ride with companions, but I truly
treasure those solo bike rides. It seems the bike gives my body something to do so that the
creative parts of my brain can soar. I have resolved many issues while out on my bike riding
by myself. enjoy!

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