Is The Path Along The Ohlone Greenway Safe?

The path is a convenient, even scenic route for pedestrians to take to the El Cerrito del Norte BART station or the city's business strip along San Pablo Avenue.

However, an assault last week on a woman on the Ohlone Greenway path is making some people think twice about using it.

The victim was texting on her cell phone while walking northbound on the path between Wall Avenue and Conlon Avenue about 7 p.m. on Sept. 9 when a man punched her in the head and started to drag her into some nearby bushes.

A resident living nearby heard the woman screamed and yelled at the assailant, scaring him off.

Patch readers had a variety of reactions to the story.

Jason Miller said more police presence is needed along that stretch of the walkway near the Richmond border.

Karen agreed extra patrols are needed. She noted there are people sleeping in those bushes on many occasions.

Yayoi Storey said she uses that path almost every night about that time. She said she might use a different route now.

Two women walking on the path Saturday afternoon told Patch they are always cautious when using the trail.

Samantha Nerad lives nearby and said she only walks on the path during daylight hours.

She said there are three homeless encampments near that portion of the greenbelt.

She suggested better lighting along the path might help deter some criminals. So would clearing out some of the brush.

"It's giving them some places to hide," Nerad said.

Another woman said she uses the trail infrequently and never at night.

She said some video surveillance cameras along the path might help.

She said the trail is a nice, flat shortcut to the BART station. She also enjoys the flowers that have been planted near Baxter Creek.

However, she said she is always aware of her surroundings when she walks on the path.

"I'm always listening and I keep my eyes open," she said.