TUCSON, Arizona (KGUN) – Pima County is implementing a new program to improve safety along the Loop, the popular 137-mile bike path network that connects Tucson and neighboring parks.

The Chuck Huckelberry Loop Patrol Program will deploy security guards to patrol sections of the trail and adjacent parks beginning Tuesday, August 27. The initiative, which will run for three months, is in response to recent concerns about abuse and safety on the trail.

Callie Norton of the Pima County Parks and Recreation Department said patrol guards will be on the lookout for signs of abuse, vandalism and other violations to ensure trails and parks remain safe for all visitors.

“The goal is really just to make sure we make our facilities and recreational locations as safe as possible for our visitors and locals,” Norton said.

“It’s always good to have someone help you and pitch in to make something safer,” says Bruce Rhoades, manager at Sabino Cycles, when asked about the program.

The new patrols include two security guards stationed at key sections of the Loop, such as Curtis Park and Flowing Wells Park. Norton said the guards will work eight-hour shifts starting at sunset.

The program has already caught the attention of locals like Alejandra Frias, co-owner of Ride Tucson, a bike rental service.

“I walk on it every day, too, and there have been situations where I’ve felt a little uncomfortable,” Frias said. “So it’s nice to know that there are people out there that I can go to, or that I can feel safe going to a certain place where they are.”

The district will assess the effectiveness of the program at the end of the three-month test phase and decide whether to expand it further.

For more information about the Chuck Huckelberry Loop Patrol Program, visit Here.