Wheels and Heels: Local Cyclists Warn About Possible Predator

Riding a bicycle is an exhilarating way to travel and get some exercise.

But bicycling solo carries risks beyond falling down or colliding with a tree.

Recently, bloggers have been warning Decatur area cyclists and others who ride on the Atlanta-Stone Mountain bike trail  of a convicted sex offender who is not wanted by law enforcement but does have a history of approaching lone female cyclists.

The man approached one woman last fall as she was waiting at College and Sam’s Crossing for a group of cyclists. The blogger named Karen reported that “he rode up and was ranting and raving about this and that and even tried to hit on me.” When her group approached, he rose off angrily. Karen wrote that she’s a “freak about safety” and never rides alone.

Blogs have identified the alleged assailant as possibly Robert McKenzie, who is listed on Georgia’s Sex Offender Registry for a 2004 Virginia conviction for taking indecent liberties with a child. Here's another photo of the alleged assailant.

According to the City of Avondale Estates police, McKenzie has also recently been seen in the city. On Thursday, police sent out a warning to residents.

The note to citizens in an email read, "It has been noted that an individual identified as being on Georgia's Sex Offender Registry has been observed within the City on different occasions, usually riding a bicycle."

The email from police also said, "Subject has displayed behavior that may indicate a degree of being mentally impaired.  Records indicate that the person has been charged with sexual crimes and  being armed in the past."

Bloggers have said McKenzie's recent brushes with the law include stalking and harrassing women joggers in the Virginia Highland and Freedom Park areas. Another incident occurred in Inman Park. 

Because of his 2004 conviction, McKenzie may not live, work or loiter near where children congregate.

What is troubling to area cyclists is that this man travels by bicycle. Recently, he was seen in Inman Park on a dark-colored bike with two rows of reflectors around the entire circumference of both wheels.

If you should happen to see him approaching you, it would be a good idea to pedal in the other direction. Fast. 

The best thing to do is avoid two-legged predators on a bicycle. Ride with friends whenever possible. Also be cautious when letting your children out for a ride in non-residential areas. While that’s not always possible or convenient, at the very least, carry a cell phone within reach to call for help if you need any.

The Daily Mile, a blog for runners and cyclists, carried a lively discussion a few years ago about whether or not to carry a gun while cycling or jogging.  CycleDog in Oklahoma also argues that bikers should pack a gun along with a patch kit.

As a cyclist who has been riding for decades, the most useful weapon is your brain. Make sure it's safe by encasing it in a properly fitted helmet and then use your brain to keep you out of trouble. I’ve bicycled by myself all over Atlanta and—in the mid 80’s—through all of Europe. What keeps me out of trouble is trusting my gut instinct. If somebody approaches me while I’m out riding, and I get the feeling that something’s not right, I don’t stick around.

I’ve been jumped by a man who asked for my help translating a menu, and so I never allow myself to be inside a building or a car with any stranger.

I also make it a practice of not giving money to beggars on the street, as a matter of personal security. Unfortunately, not everyone asking for help is safe.

Michael Ledford was convicted of murdering Jennifer Ewing in 2006 while she was riding on the Silver Comet Trail, which, like the Stone Mountain trail, is maintained by the PATH Foundation.  Some think Ledford might have gotten Ewing to stop for him by asking her for help.

If you’re uncomfortable with someone, pedal away, as fast as you can. If you can’t, then dial 911 on your cell phone. If that’s not working, start yelling for help and try to get help from a nearby home or business.

All cyclists should report any assaults immediately to law enforcement. In all my years of cycling, I've been threatened far more often by four-legged predators than two-legged ones.  Stay safe out there.