Do Bike Paths Bring Crime?

A recent comment in the Wichita Eagle Opinion Line:

A bike path could actually lower the quality of life in a neighborhood. Whom do you want rolling through your neighborhood?

If you’re concerned about a “bad element” entering your neighborhood via a bike path and doing mischief, isn’t it more likely that any criminals would come by car, where they can carry more stuff, be hidden from view, and get away faster?

Sure, bike paths are not immune from crime. But they’re certainly no more likely to facilitate criminal activity than are streets or sidewalks.

So why would a bike path lower the quality of life in a neighborhood?

Or is the commenter saying that only scum use bike paths? That doesn’t make much sense, either…

Additional reading on the topic:


About The Author

By Randy Rasa, editor/webmaster at Kansas Cyclist, the web's premier Kansas cycling information site, featuring authoritative guides to Kansas cycling clubs, bike shops, organized bike rides, touring, trails, and much more. [learn more]

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