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I'm new to jogging/running, and I'm wondering -- is it generally safe to jog alone in the park after dark? Especially as a woman? Rationally I'd like to think it's perfectly safe if I'm aware of my surroundings (no headphones of course) and wearing light clothing, but my gut tells me maybe it's not such a good idea. Though, like I said, I just started jogging in a regular and serious way, and though I've lived here for almost five years, I've never really done it around here before. What do you think?
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not after dark.
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I wouldn't do it. Not that I've heard of much bad stuff happening, but there just aren't that many joggers in the park after dark.
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Subject: Re: Jogging in Fort Greene Park after dark
bifteck » ...my gut tells me maybe it's not such a good idea...
My gut reaction to your question was, "Are you crazy?!" Then I calmed down: No, I don't think it's a good idea for any woman to run in a park alone after dark. Listen, I understand full well that we *should* be able to do so. That's the ideal. However, the ideal and reality have been known at times to meet up like a train wreck. I definitely wouldn't do it. -
Yeah, I would never go at, say, 10pm. The reason I asked is that I got home too late to be able to jog the entire run while it was light out, but rather that, by the time I finished, it would be after dusk. So I'm not talking about going when it's fully dark -- I definitely wouldn't feel comfortable with that no matter what. But I feel like there are still plenty of people in the park at and after dusk. Therein lies the quandary.
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I've taken several 7-8pm-ish walks in Ft Greene park in the colder months, and only met two or three people walking their dogs on the DeKalb/Cumberland side. It felt pretty safe - and no secluded woods or anything like in Prospect Park. Trail running in PP seems much more unsafe to me. Obviously it gets much more active when it's warm out... Aren't there any runners or dog walkers here familiar with the park in early evening?
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At the risk of being the feminist who ill-advises, my gut says that I would do it. Fort Greene feels pretty safe to me. I don't run, but I do cycle in P. Park, sometimes alone, after dusk and dark and there are a lot of cyclists and runners in P.Park after dusk and dark, though their are less as the hours get later. Unless I heard about specific problems in F. Greene park at night, I'd probably give it a whirl and see how it feels.
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From 9PM to 9AM are legal off-leash hours for dogs. So from 9PM the park is more populated with dog owners, but in my experience they tend to stay toward the central field ( where the dustbowl is). My feeling is that unless you're content to circle that area I'd be wary of jogging in the park after dark.
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I walk my dog in Ft. Greene park most evenings--it's pretty desolate once the sun sets. I've never had a problem, but I try to be out before it gets really dark. Once summer hits, it's not the same scene--lots of people linger to enjoy the cool breezes. But as with any dark, quiet place, you're better off going with a friend/partner/etc.
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i'll run there after dark if i need something close/quick; it's not that sketchy. i do jet through the less-lit areas though, hah. but don't wear headphones, & if you have someone you could run with, i'd suggest that.
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