Are Gangs Targeting Norristown Bicyclists?

By PW Staff
Add Comment Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Jun. 4, 2009

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Twitter friend @fintler points us to this blog post from the Bicycle Coaltion about an attack on a Norristown bicyclist. An excerpt:

On Wednesday evening a female bicyclist was sucker punched as she passed by a gang of 6-7 men in black jeans and red shirts hanging out near the trail. She didn't have enough time to turn around so instead she just hammered past them but was punched in the face.

Amazingly she didn't fall off her bike and was able to get away. According to police there has been an increase in gang activity in the area and that may (or may not)explain the red shirts. We had another report earlier in the day of 4 men in red shirts but that cyclist reported other people around.

This location (Schuylkill River Trail at Haws Avenue) has had isolated cyclist harassment problems in the past in the late spring and summer although there have been no serious injuries to date. The county has responded by clearing brush to prevent bad guys from hiding in the shrubbery.

It's hard to imagine that gang members have much reason to loiter on the bicycle trails; we're reminded of numerous gang initiation urban legends involving Wal-Mart. But if somebody was punched on the trail, it's probably wise to be a little cautious out there.

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