With the weather warming up this weekend, even more cyclists are expected up on Grizzly Peak in the Oakland and Berkeley Hills.
But police are now putting out safety tips in an effort to stem a string of armed robberies where thieves are making off with people’s bikes.
The latest armed robbery happened Saturday at about 2 p.m. when a lone cyclist pulled over between mile markers 12 and 13 to help people who he thought were motorists having car trouble. It was the fourth such incident in the last few weeks.
Mary Ann Jawili, president of the Grizzly Peak Cyclists, urges people to ride with a friend, don't stop for anyone you don't know and be on the lookout for cars that pass you multiple times.
"People slow down when they’re passing bicyclists, but if they’re going really slow they might be taking a good look at who’s out on the road. And you should probably go and make eye contact with them too, and that indicates to them that you’re also looking at them. And that’s your opportunity to take a good look at this person and try to remember details about them or their car."
Police also suggest carrying your wallet and your phone on your person and not on your bike, in case it gets taken.
High end bikes can be worth thousands of dollars, but even less expensive ones can be targeted.
“Right now, bikes are really hard to come by. During the pandemic many more people are biking or wanting to bike. You go to a bike shop these days and it’s just been difficult to get a bike,” said Jawili. “I think there’s good demand for bikes.”
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