Reprinted without permission

This just in from today's Star-Tribune:

Minneapolis Midtown Greenway robbery spree: Bikers beware
Jerry Holt, Star Tribune
Erez Biglajzer was mugged last month by three guys at knifepoint while riding his bike on the Midtown Greenway. “I just couldn’t believe it,” he said.

A series of robberies on the popular Minneapolis bike route prompts a police warning. Police presence will be increased in the area.

By STEVE BRANDT and DAVID CHANEN , Star Tribune staff writers

Minneapolis police issued a warning Wednesday after several bikers were robbed -- some at knifepoint and one with a gun -- on the popular Midtown Greenway and a connecting route.

The safety of greenway users has been a concern since before it was even built because the middle third of the 5 1/2-mile route paralleling Lake Street lies in a former railroad trench. So extra features such as 911 call kiosks, security cameras and extra lighting were installed.

But that hasn't prevented about 10 attacks in recent weeks aimed at bikers on the trails. Typically, police said, they involve several men who block the trails and take backpacks, wallets, electronics and purses, but not bikes.

The robberies prompted police to step up patrols and some riders to ride without lights to avoid detection by assailants. A grassroots, Web-connected group has organized a Saturday afternoon ride called "Take Back the Greenway."

Erez Biglajzer was knocked off his bike at around 10 p.m. on Nov. 20 by a man who rushed onto the trail on a curve, joined by two accomplices. He said he was kicked several times in the ribs and threatened with a knife. The attack, near where Cedar Avenue crosses the greenway, ended as another rider neared. Attackers wrestled away his iPod but not his backpack.

Now, unless he's riding with a friend, he avoids the greenway at night. But he still commutes on it during the day and will return at night if police patrols leave him feeling safer.

"I just couldn't believe it. I didn't expect it," he said of the attack. "I probably should have avoided the greenway at night but it's just so convenient."

Police think there may be more attacks that haven't been reported, and there also have been close calls.

"We also know of near-misses where the cyclists were going very fast and the assailants moved out of the way for their own safety," said Tim Springer, staff director for the Midtown Green Coalition advocacy group.