crime and sidewalks and foliage

D: I was biking home the other night.
University is pretty good. I took the trail by the tracks by UW.
Went towards Westmount.
On either side, there are woods.
They are flush with the sidewalks on both sides.
This is right by UW.

http://www.nrps.com/community/cpted.asp

Natural Surveillance
The placement of physical features, activities, and people in a way that maximizes visibility is one concept directed toward keeping intruders easily observable, and therefore less likely to commit criminal acts. Features that maximize the visibility of people, parking areas, and building entrances are:

• unobstructed doors and windows,

• pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and streets,

• front porches,

• effective nighttime lighting

For instance, streets designed with gateway treatments, roundabouts, speed bumps, and other "traffic calming" devices establish territories and discourage speeding and cut-through traffic. By keeping public areas observable, you are telling potential offenders that they should think twice before committing a crime. Criminals prefer low-risk situations, and public visibility increases the chances a thief will be caught.

These measures are simple, inexpensive to implement, and will have a more positive effect on residents than gates and bars.

D: my suggestion? Trim the underbrush. 5 or 10' only.
I think the sidewalks along Albert has the same problem.

D.