CALIFORNIA IN BRIEF : DAVIS : Gang Rape of Cyclist Sparks Fear, Anger

The gang rape of a bicyclist by skateboarding boys has fired fear, frustration and anger in this college town, reflected in nightmares, graffiti and flyers. Since the woman was knocked from her bicycle, raped and beaten by five teen-agers July 29, women have called crisis lines. “Dead skateboarders don’t rape,” says one spray-painted message. Anonymous fliers have questioned why there is no curfew. Police are looking for five suspects, apparently between the ages of 13 and 17, in the attack on a bike and jogging trail. About three hours before the attack, the woman had passed a group of juveniles on bikes and skateboards, according to police. She brushed past one boy, who fell over. She stopped to see if he was hurt, but the youth began shouting obscenities at her and she rode away.