It is very good to see other organizations expressing concern, such as this article from Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, (p. 1) and taking an active interest in the illegal camping situation in the Parkway, which has virtually destroyed the ability of the folks in the adjacent communities to enjoy their part of the Parkway safely.
An excerpt.
"Bicyclists and other users of the Sacramento Northern bikeway access to the American River Parkway are keenly aware of the illegal camping, loitering, drinking and other substance abuse that occurs between the trailhead off C Street (between 19th and 20th streets ) and the “Pipe Bridge.”
"While this activity doesn’t bother some people, it prevents others from using the access trail in downtown Sacramento to reach the parkway because they are afraid of being the victim of a crime. Every time there is a murder or high-profile crime in this area behind the Blue Diamond Almond complex, that perception is underscored.
"The latest murder occurred on April 30 [2008]. An article in the Sacramento Bee described how longtime illegal camper Michael Tinius, 47, was stabbed to death near the access trail by two men when he intervened to protect another illegal camper.
"Two men were arrested and charged with the murder of Tinius and attempted murder of the man Tinius was trying to protect."
