Beyond the Trail  Diana DeRubertis's picture  A recent
Planetizen interview on the relationship between park space and
active living got me thinking about what spaces inspire physical
activity and what spaces discourage it.  In my old apartment
complex, the indoor fitness centers were jammed while the nearby
riverside walking trails were desolate, despite nearly perfect
year-round weather.  Why? The trails were perceived as unsafe
because they were completely isolated from view.  I'm somewhat
perplexed by the trend in trail building:  rail trails, urban
greenways, trails through state parks, trails through the woods
and backcountry.  These may be ideal for bicyclists or for
weekend hikes with friends.  But they are not practical places
for solo walkers and joggers.  Greenways, trails and ill-defined
open spaces often don't work as envisioned because planners fail
to consider safety as a paramount issue, especially for women. 
Even if crime statistics declare an area safe, it's really the
perceived safety that