How Volunteers Are Coming Together To Make The Schuylkill River Trail Safer
By Natasha Brown
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- On a beautiful sunny day, there's not a more popular place in the city than the Schuylkill River Trail. Runners, walkers and bikers coexist peacefully, but recent crimes have shattered some sense of safety.
"It's the number one urban trail in the country. It's beautiful. I want people to be out there enjoying it not feeling scared," said Jon Lyons.
Lyons, of Run215, is helping to lead a group of volunteers who will become the eyes and ears of the circuitous 10 mile trail. This coming on the heels of two indecent exposure incidents on Saturday morning.
"It's unacceptable," Lyons said of the incidents as he called one indecent exposure too many.
Volunteers are being trained to identify suspicious activity and describe suspects if necessary. They'll work in pairs and have identifying badges and t-shirts.
"My roommate runs at night sometimes and says she doesn't always feel safe so, I would feel better if there were volunteers," said Keira Missanelli.
"I've been out here at night and haven't always felt safe. More people watching would be good," said Rachel Kitchenoff.
More eyes...less chance of criminal activity.