Burning the Midnight Calories: Rivertowns Police Weigh in on Safety

As the weather heats up, it becomes increasingly difficult to persevere through long runs or power walks under the blazing sun. Many Rivertowns exercise-fiends find a great alternative is to get their hearts pumping either before sunrise or well after sunset, but is it safe to do?

In early June, a Dobbs-Ferry resident power walking at 4:30 a.m. was assaulted in a  robbery attempt by three youths passing through the village. Despite the scare, village police said the incident was a rarity, not something that should change residents' way of life.

"People should use common sense and be aware of what they do," Sergent Rick Guevara, of Dobbs Ferry police, said.

Guevara recommended running in pairs and trying to go without the ipod, which can decrease alertness.

Hastings and Irvington police agreed—these villages are generally safe. However, there were certain precautions they recommended taking.

"Go out with a partner and stay only in well-lit areas," Sergent Michael Foley, of Irvington police said. "Also, wear either a reflective vest or flashing strobe band to stand out."  Although Foley was unaware of any serious injuries in Irvington caused by exercisers hit by cars, he said traffic was the main concern.

"We have had no incidents similar to June's assault on a pedestrian," he said. "My primary concern with runners is that they avoid cars." 

Hastings police admit that the safest place to run at night would be in a contained park or school track, but reminded residents that all such facilities technically close at dusk.

"We usually do not go after people for utilizing the track at night," Sgt. Anthony Gentile said. "But if we receive a complaint, it is technically trespassing and something we have to respond to."

Despite US colleges' fanatical dissemination of "rape-whistles" and warnings that women--especially young women--should be wary of taking to the streets after dark, Gentile, Foley and Geuvara said this was not a particular concern in these villages.

"Hastings is generally safe," Gentile said. "We have never had problems like what you hear about in the city or other places."