This story about a cyclist who got body slammed off his bike (which was then stolen) has been discussed on the NYCC message board.
I'm in this area all the time, and on the greenway too, which has come up on the NYCC board. I always imagined it to be reasonably safe. Obviously, crime can happen anywhere, but I do go there in winter when it's fairly deserted.
Anyone have opinions? I am so slow they wouldn't need to knock me down.