Bike Rangers Headed to Popular D.C. Trail

Man beaten on trail earlier this month

There will now be bike patrols on the popular trail that was the scene of an attack on a cyclist.

The 37-year-old man from Silver Spring was riding on the Metropolitan Branch Trail when he was beaten by almost a dozen teenagers.

He suffered fractures around his eye and several cuts.

So far, there have been no arrests.

A new program by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and the Students Conservation Association could make the trail safer.

Trail Rangers will be there to put more eyes on the trail and help folks who with emergency repairs and first aid.

Organizers say the program is not a response to the attack It was already in the works.

Besides the Metropolitan Branch Trail, the rangers will ride on the Suitland Parkway, Anacostia Riverwalk and Marvin Gaye trails. They’ll be out during the morning and evening rush -- 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Fridays -- and on weekends.

The program is funded through the end of the summer.

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