The recent attacks on the Monon Trail are certainly a shame. This trail is used by thousands daily, and sadly, due to this fact, it is inevitably going to have its share of crime and attacks. Often times, criminals target those who seem to be the most vulnerable and defenseless. Many of those on the Monon are just that, and when I used the Monon significantly more in the past, I was as well, until I learned from my own mistakes.

I certainly understand why the Monon is so appealing. It is a marked trail several miles long speckled with water fountains and bathrooms (well, that is if you are north of 75th Street). It is closed to motorists and provides ample shade, handy on those hot summer days. However, the reasons the Monon is "good" are precisely the same reasons why the Monon is "bad".

A. It is a trail several miles long. Due to the fact that it is 15 miles in length, it is a sure bet that there are a couple. . . or more. . . offenders looking for a victim on any given day. Yes, police do patrol the trail, but of course it is impossible for them to cover the entire trail at all times.

B. It is closed to motorists. Yes, it can be a challenge to share the roads with cars, and you probably feel a bit more at ease knowing you won't get run down (by a car at least). However, where there are motorists there are more eyes. . . so likely fewer criminals unless they want to get caught!

C. It provides ample shade. Agh, this is so nice when the temps and humidity are high. However, some parts of the Monon have so much brush that the Brady Bunch could hide in there undetected! Most attackers take shelter in the foliage to seek out their victims. This gives me the chills as I am sure I have passed more than one lurking.

I hate to sound like a Debbie Downer about the trail, but saying that it is not 100% safe is simply a fact. Should you never use the Monon? No. . . that would be like me telling you to never drive a car since there is always a chance that you can get in an accident. We all take inherent risks whenever we walk out the door. . . and even when at home. Taking risks is a fact of life. However, what we CAN control is the level of risk we are willing to put ourselves in. Here are some tips to help minimize a dangerous situation.

• Buddy Up: In this case, strength truly does lie in numbers. Whenever possible, run, ride, walk with another or in a group. I am sure it may have happened but I have personally never heard of an attack on more than one person on the trail. If you do not have a buddy, try to use the trail at areas and times that are more populated.
• Pack Away the iPod: I know it is great to exercise to your favorite tunes but it isn't worth the risk. Trust me, I learned this one the hard way. A couple of years ago I was pounding along on the trail with my iPod blasting when I was approached by a reporter for a comment on the broken emergency phone boxes. I about jumped out of my skin when he touched my arm since I had no idea he was there. A tad embarrassing, but a good (and lucky) lesson. You need to be able to hear approaching people, cars, and sirens. Save the music for the treadmill.
• Follow the Rules: Do not use the Monon to walk home from the bars after dark. . . ..DUH?
• Pick areas wisely: Another not so proud moment for me. . . I wanted to mix up my route so I headed onto a not so great area of the Monon alone and listening to my iPod. A certain individual on a bike chose to grab my heinie as he passed me. Again, jumped out of my skin! Not wise. . . If you choose to use the less safe areas of the Monon, NEVER do so alone and NEVER at night.
• Carry a phone and let another know where you are going: Yes, there are the emergency call boxes available (when they are working, that is), but what are the chances that there will be one exactly where you may be attacked or get a flat tire? Chances are slim. Have you seen the movie 127 Hours? Aron Ralston didn't tell anyone where he was going when he fell and got his arm stuck in the boulder. He sure did regret that!
• Change up your routine: If you always park at the same place and take the same route (especially when you are alone and listening to your iPod, a not so nice person could know your patterns and target either you or your vehicle. Try venturing out to other areas, and NEVER leave your valuables visible in your car. Offenders know that most of us do not have our wallets on us while we are on the Monon, so they have to be somewhere. I could tell you another couple of personal stories on break-ins, but I have already embarrassed myself enough!

In summary, of course you cannot eliminate all risk when using the Monon trail, but you can take actions to lessen your chances of being a victim.