Crime happens on the trail, no question. But it also happens in parking lots and at the local 7-11 and many other places.
Really? This was the first I had heard of it since moving to the area last year, and it has me a little worried. I thought NoVA was supposed to be one of the wealthiest places in the US.
Of course, I think it's pertinent to note that people in other countries don't have to worry much about armed robbery while cycling, since people in those countries don't have so many guns like Americans do.
Very little of the crime on the W&OD is "bike specific" - it's just "normal" stuff that happens all over. I'm more concerned about getting run over by a road-raging douchebag in an SUV on my way to the trail than mugged while I'm on the trail. Honestly, I'd be more concerned walking back to my car at the mall than riding down the W&OD.
I've lived in the area most of my life. I can't think of any areas I'd actively avoid during the day. Well, except Tysons Corner, but that's not because of the crime, I just hate the place.
The main street in front of my neighborhood was recently repaved end-to-end (3 miles or so). Prior to that, it was 2 lanes in each direction, with a few left turn lanes. As part of the repave, they wanted to add a semi-protected bike lane (by removing one car lane in each direction). The outcry was ridiculous. This isn't a major thoroughfare, it's a moderately travelled neighborhood road. There's a small shopping center at one end and a school complex in the middle.
Long-story-short, the government add the bike lanes. EXCEPT for in front of the schools and shopping center. So, it's half mile of 4-lane cars, then 1 mile 2 cars/2 bike, then at the school it's back to 4-car for half mile, then back to 2 car/2 bike for the remainder.
And now all the non-cyclists cry "Look! Nobody uses the bike lanes!" Well, of course not. They're completely fucking useless because they come and go almost at random and don't lead anywhere.
It's infuriating.