Local Women Push to Keep Greenways, Trails Safe Across Charlotte

With summer in full swing, foot traffic is already increasing across Charlotte’s most popular greenways and trails. But what should be a simple walk or run on a beautiful day has become a safety concern for many — especially women.

Several women in Charlotte are demanding stronger safety measures following a series of disturbing incidents on the Charlotte Rail Trail in South End. The most recent incident gained traction on social media after a TikTok video describing it went viral.

Nicole Smith shared on TikTok that her friend was harassed while walking her dog on the Rail Trail on April 7. According to Smith, a man driving a white pickup truck stopped at a crosswalk, exposed himself and began masturbating in front of her friend.

The suspect, a 47-year-old man, turned himself in to authorities on April 27 and was charged with indecent exposure. He was later released then arrested again on May 12 in connection with a separate indecent exposure incident that occurred in March on New Bern Street. Jail records show he posted a $10,000 bond and has since been released.

Smith posted an update on the suspect’s release, sparking outrage among Charlotte-area residents, particularly women concerned for their safety.

“Sickening the justice system lets repeat offenders out,” one commenter wrote.

Charlotte boasts over 62 miles of greenways connecting neighborhoods, parks and commercial areas. But even as the city celebrates these spaces, recent incidents highlight how quickly they can feel unsafe.

“Everyone loves the greenways,” said Emily Carter, a local runner. “But it shouldn’t feel like we’re taking a risk every time we go.”

Crime reports on Charlotte greenways

Although overall violent crime in Charlotte has declined in early 2025, incidents on greenways stand out, especially those involving indecent exposure and sexual assault.

According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department data for the first quarter of 2025, violent crimes dropped 17%, from 1,626 to 1,344 year over year. Property crimes fell 4%, from 8,835 to 8,511, during the same period.

Despite broader reductions in crime, high-profile attacks on public pathways that target women seemingly chosen at random leave a lasting impression in the minds of those who use or would like to use greenways in Charlotte.

Read more: CMPD Releases Promising Crime Stats to Start 2025

In summer 2023, two incidents occurred on McAlpine Creek Greenway within weeks of one another, including one in which a 15-year-old girl was touched inappropriately by a man who first exposed himself to her on the greenway near Elm Lane in south Charlotte.

Following those incidents, CMPD stated the department would increase its presence not only on McAlpine Creek Greenway but all greenways in its jurisdiction. In January 2024, police arrested a man and charged him in connection with those two incidents and three others along the McAlpine Creek and McMullen Creek greenways.

Those incidents highlighted persistent vulnerabilities, particularly during early mornings, late evenings or in secluded areas.

In April 2024, runners with the group RunCLTRun voiced concerns at a City Council meeting over the lack of safety measures such as lighting and/or regular police patrols along some greenway sections.

Speakers with RunCLTRun said they had stopped using some greenways altogether and now opt for sidewalks and city streets instead. One member proposed adding security cameras along trails, similar to a program in Mount Holly that installed five cameras following complaints about safety on trails branching out from Tuckaseegee Park. 

Council members said they would explore that option for Charlotte, though no such proposal has come up at council meetings since.

“It shouldn’t take an incident to make people pay attention,” said Smith. “Safety isn’t a luxury. It should be part of how we design and care for our public spaces.”

Response from police, the parks department and DIY defenders

CMPD and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation have implemented several strategies to improve public safety on trails and greenways.

CMPD says it has increased patrols at greenway access points and along trails using ATVs, bikes, motorcycles and foot patrols. A “drone-as-first-responder” pilot program is in development for deployment in 2025 to enhance real-time surveillance capabilities, though it has drawn criticism from some council members as being invasive. 

In a statement, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation said it does not manage the Charlotte Rail Trail but “works closely with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies to patrol greenways and enhance safety.”

Trail users are encouraged to stay alert, travel in groups, inform others of their plans, carry personal safety devices and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

On the greenways that it does manage, Park and Recreation has updated trail signage to include clearly marked mile-location identifiers to help with emergency response while staff has worked with CMPD to increase visibility through maintenance and patrol coordination.

Despite these initiatives, many residents say more must be done to prevent crimes before they occur — especially for women who often feel most at risk.

Women we spoke with are asking for better lighting on all trails; regular, visible police patrols; emergency call boxes; security cameras in secluded areas; community-led education; and self-defense training

In response to the recent incidents in South End, Nicole Smith and her women’s group, Inner Circle Charlotte, partnered with FTF Charlotte and Work for Your Beer to host a self-defense class at Monday Night Brewing. The event offered women practical skills including how to react, deescalate and defend themselves in threatening situations.

Mental health resources were also available at the event, specifically those aimed at supporting survivors of assault through trauma-informed care. 

Smith said members of Inner Circle Charlotte generally feel safe in the city and their goal is to help ensure it stays that way.

“The thing that is in our control is how we use our voice and how we defend ourselves,” Smith said. “If we want to protect our city, we have to first protect ourselves.”