Is there a way to confirm this?

[Aggie_Ama]

My husband told me something unsettling this afternoon, still digesting how to deal with it. He said he was told a motorist was raped last week after her vehicle broke down at the very intersection I get stopped by a light daily when I commute. He said it was supposedly evening but not super late, exactly how it will be come daylight savings time on my ride home. I don't want to be paralyzed by fear but this is a very isolated stretch of road, it is a big road but not much traffic and lots of ranches way off the road. If this story was true this was a vunerable motorist, how much more secure can a smaller female on a bike be?

Anyone know if I could call the local sheriff's department (this isn't in city limits of any town) to just see if that really happened? No details, just was there a rape there in the last month? I cannot find it in the paper but not every rape or violent crime ends up in the paper. Although I do wonder how his friend knew of it.

[Aggie_Ama]

Nevermind, found it in the local paper. It happened last Thursday, I think I commuted home last Thursday passed through the exact spot about 2 hours before it happened! That is quite scary for me. I think I will investigate carrying mace and alternate commutes such as riding to my parents where I can get before dark or a well lit grocery store that is on my way home. I finally get comfortable riding on my own and then I get all these negative thoughts. :mad:

[wackyjacky1]

You don't want to let something like that stop you from carrying on with your normal life, but at the same time you don't want to take unnecessary risks. For the time being, I think your idea of driving to a more secure spot, then cycling the rest of the way, sounds like the smart thing to do. Hopefully they'll catch the scumbag and you can resume your regular ride.

[Tuckervill]

I'm curious to know what the paper said about it. Was she raped by a stranger? Do they have the suspect in custody? How did he get to her if she was in a car?

The answers to those questions would have an impact on my decision to continue on that route or not.

Karen

[Aggie_Ama]

From what the paper said she was alone and had a mechanical issue with her car but didn't say what. The guy stopped, her assumption was to offer help. They have a description that sounds like 50% of the men in this area, truck that is one of the most popular in the area and not much else. It happened on a rural highway, no street lights and lighter traffic at 8:30 on a weeknight. Traffic is extremely light out here by that time. Hopefully if the scum lives in the area it won't take long, we have very heavy law enforcement (county, city and state) here. We are known as a speed trap, sadly the officers usually don't patrol this area.

I am going to consider car pooling until we outfit my bike with mace or pepper spray, my husband is very adamant about wanting me to carry this now, as is my mom and my dad. It is the future my husband is concerned about, right now it is daylight when I ride, at least 1 hour to dusk. He is extremely angry and worried that he cannot feel comfortable with me riding alone, he has never had much of a problem with it. I can't let this hold me back but you have to understand we have practically no violent crime in this area. This is out of place as a stranger attacked her (from what I gather) and very alarming to me as a woman and resident because it is just so brash.

I am hoping sleeping on it tonight will let me calm down. I have been assaulted by kids throwing stuff, buzzing me or a dog chase but never been genuinely concerned about my safety. I am hoping to continue commuting until the time change and then come up with some alternative to keep me out of the rural areas in the dark.

[wildhawk]

I am sorry to hear that - hope it does not shake your confidence in riding alone. I am riding alone now too at times and I have added Mace to my bike. I have it attached to the handlebar stem - anyone looking at my bike sees it so hopefully it will send a message. Always be aware of your surroundings and listen to that little inner voice. I try and take well-lit routes at dark and during the day I pass by a very busy school so there are always crossing guards, etc. there. I also make sure that my cell phone is within easy reach while riding and my DH knows what time I leave and I call him to let him know I am on my way back home.

[NbyNW]

It sounds like they haven't caught this guy yet . . . ? How disturbing.

In addition to the precautions you are already taking, you might also look into whether there are any self-defense courses for women in your area.

I took a course a few years ago that was offered by the university police where I was doing graduate work. They taught us how to break various types of holds that assailants tend to use on women, and we were able to practice hitting and kicking the officers (they wore pads). It doesn't obviate the need to use common sense, but it might be helpful if you ever did find yourself in a bad situation.

[Grog]

That's not very good to hear.

But if you're going to get pepper spray or mace or something like that, please, please take some formal instruction in how to use it and also in self-defense in general. I know from the forestry people I work with that many people end up shooting themselves instead of whatever is attacking them (in their case: bears), and that's quite counter productive! Self-defense will also make you feel a lot more confident and give you means to fight back if the circumstances require it, whether on your bike or elsewhere.

Peace. Thinking of you.

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks for the suggestions ladies. I will see if any of the local organizations are offering self defense, I have always thought I should take it. I have a friend that is a single mother who would be interested as well.

As far as Mace/Pepper Spray I would definitely take classes even if it meant buying two so I could practice with one.

I really think and hope this was a random act and not a serial rapist. I am already aware but now I need to think harder about how I am protecting myself.

[Tuckervill]

Is there cell phone service out there? I hate to come off like I'm blaming the victim, but there are probably things she could have done. She's probably asking herself the same questions.

I made a stupid mistake once on the interstate. A guy drove by me and started pointing at my car (my son was with me, about 9 or 10, I guess). I already knew there was something wrong with the plastic cowling under the car, and I decided to check it out to see if it had gotten worse with the speed. So, I let him get ahead of me a ways, and then I pulled over to the shoulder. It was in broad daylight on I-40 with lots of big rigs going by, so I felt more afraid of those than the guy.

But, the idiot stopped up ahead, and then proceeded to drive in reverse down the shoulder. I was on my knee looking under the passenger side front wheel, when I noticed him getting out of his car and coming toward me. Alarm bells went off. I hopped up, said my thanks, and walked around the back of the car and got in. He never got within two feet of me, he started to back off when he saw my son, I think, and I was out of sight before he got back in the lane. I'm glad I never turned the car off.

It's easy to make a mistake like that. I thought I was okay, and that he would just go on, but no, he stopped. And he was probably perfectly fine, although I still feel that alarm when I think of him. Like I said, I'm sure that victim in that case is asking herself what she did wrong, and it's good to learn from that.

Karen

[Aggie_Ama]

Yup cell phone reception but it is still very isolated and does suddenly make me feel a bit less safe. It a major east-west thoroughfare even though it is not high traffic it is the way to the hill country so there is no way to assume this scum lives nearby or that this would happen again. But it did shatter my sense of well-being and I think most people would feel the same.

I think being concerned and suddenly knowing this road is not quite as idyllic as I have always felt is smart. I may be sounding paranoid but I was stopped at this same intersection riding my bike alone that evening about an hour before dark. I stop at this general area everytime I ride home, sometimes I have to wait up to 5 minutes for a car to come my way and set off the signal for me to cross the highway.

I feel most people would suddenly have their red flags up upon hearing this crime was committed practically in their back yard. This is less than 10 miles by bike from my house. Much like your situation this is an area where you trust someone offering help, you don't think the worst of people. I wasn't raised that way, people are good, things like this don't happen. I mean duh I was told not to talk to strangers and all that stuff but really no one assualts you while you are broken down. But wait they do.

Sorry to go off on a tangent but this is my home, I mean really my home. Not the metro area, not my work, it is where I live and play. Obviously sleeping on it didn't make me less angry about it. But I have found several places to call about self-defense classes. And my husband is still adamant about looking into pepper spray, we believe the gun shops sell it.

Honestly I should have done both things in 2003 when I started running or even before when I was just a woman walking across my college campus. I just honestly hate the "preparing so you aren't the victim" feeling. My MIL carries a concealed handgun because of things like this, I always wanted to believe that was stupid. I won't get a gun, I don't have an desire for one.

[Smilie]

How very scary. Stay safe and get your pepper spray. Sending good vibes to you.

[Dianyla]

I stop at this general area everytime I ride home, sometimes I have to wait up to 5 minutes for a car to come my way and set off the signal for me to cross the highway.
Is there no way you can trigger the sensor using your bicycle? Sometimes you have to tilt or lean the body of the bike over the sensor to trip it if it won't trip just by sitting on top of it.

Also, is it possible to just treat this light like a four-way stop? I know the legality of this varies by state, but... well if it were me, I'd come to a full stop, then as long as traffic was clear I would just move along on my way.

Lastly, I highly recommend The Gift Of Fear (http://www.amazon.com/Gift-Fear-Gavin-Becker/dp/0440226198), by Gavin DeBecker.

[Aggie_Ama]

I am going to look into that book, thank you.

I believe bikes might trigger the camera since a motorcycle has before. I just usually stop in the shoulder so cars will pull up to the line. I will probably talk to the Sheriff I see around town and ask him in this case what I should do. Honestly I think they would not even attempt to ticket but I hate the way it looks to anyone nearby! I really think (hope) it was a random act of horrible violence.

[sundial]

Aggie, the Spot has a button you push for 911 service if you get in an area where there's no cell service.

If there is a predator out there, he may go to any lengths to harm a victim--including running over a cyclist. Be alert!

Concealed weapon permit--allows you to carry peace of mind.

[Aggie_Ama]

Aggie, the Spot has a button you push for 911 service if you get in an area where there's no cell service.

If there is a predator out there, he may go to any lengths to harm a victim--including running over a cyclist. Be alert!

Concealed weapon permit--allows you to carry peace of mind.

Another plus for the SPOT. We have been putting it off but that is a good reason. There is coverage out there but it is weaker than I prefer if some creep is out on the prowl.

You are right about this guy being bold if he is in the area, while the road is dark and somewhat light on traffic he still did it when anyone could have driven by. Even a law enforcement which frequently pass the intersection. And usually they stop if they see vehicles stopped.

I am ashamed to say I do not have a cool enough head to be carrying a gun. I also had a dear friend shot in a murder suicide by someone who had a CHL and cannot stand the sight of a handgun. One day my husband's stepfather was cleaning his when I walked in and I started to hyperventilate at the sight. So while I do not have any real problem with them (I am not lobbying to change the law or anything) I don't want one and my husband is forbidden from owning a handgun in our home. It is just not for me. Didn't mean to get on that soapbox, I just gotta be honest about concealed weapons.

[sundial]

I don't want one....it is just not for me.

Check your local laws and see if you can legally carry a tazer.

Perhaps too you might want find another cyclist who can ride your route so that you are not alone.

[Trek420]

I say we ride strong, be safe, use common sense yet be fearless. Huddling inside the house a piano could fall out of a Fed Ex plane right now and hit me.

So why not be outside riding looking fearless and like someone who would not be easy to take down? I'm not saying to survivors of any criminal act that they did anything wrong or are not strong. Who knows why and how criminals choose. After decades of training I've found that anything we do that makes you feel strong, confident, at home & comfortable in your body at any age that is self defense.

Get out there and ride. :D

Be strong, be aware, listen to your gut, if it feels weird don't be ashamed to turn the bike around and leave. If it feels odd, it probably is. Like Tuckerviiles story, listen to the small voice in your head that says "look up, now!".

Keep the cell phone charged and ride. Here's hoping that all you ever need it for is photos for your ride reports.

I don't feel comfortable with, around, near, on the same planet with guns. I support your right to have one, or a tazer, mace, handlebar mounted water cannon ... but not in my house. I don't carry any weapon when I ride ... oh wait, sometimes a small knife. :rolleyes: I don't have any weapons in my home .... oh wait, there is that sword by the bed :rolleyes:

But I do not advocate others do that

Check with your local police for an approved self defense class near you if you want. If that makes you feel as if you have more options (it does). And heck, it's good crosstraining.

Just for the sake of knowledge it's worth it to look up your friendly LSO (local registered sox offender)

www.megans-law.net

Off to the dojo. Training for Sandan. :rolleyes:

[OakLeaf]

I believe bikes might trigger the camera since a motorcycle has before.

A new stoplight should have an optical trigger (in which case you shouldn't have any difficulty triggering it).

But an older one will have a magnetic trigger, and there's nothing you can do on a carbon-framed bicycle. Motorcycles (especially older ones with steel frames) ordinarily have enough steel to trigger a magnetic light - in the crankshaft if not in the frame. Bicycles are something different. Just treat it as a stop sign and go through it as you would a stop sign. If you get pulled over... well that means there's a cop there, and your primary problem is solved.

Hugs to you (and to the victim), that is scary, but Trek and others have a very good point. Crime is actually much lower than it was years ago, but you'd never know it from listening to the news.

[Eden]

There is no such thing as a magnetic sensor for a traffic light.... it is either optical or induction loop -which is like a metal detector and can pick up *many* metals, not just steel. Induction loop sensors should be able to pick up a bicycle if they have been calibrated properly. If it does not sense you contact your local DOT to see if you can have it change. In fact one of the few lights in this area that I find I cannot change is an optical one that uses a camera. I'm just not big enough for it to see.

Oakleaf is correct that many jurisdictions will allow you to proceed through a red if you cannot change it. How long you have to wait and if this is allowable will depend on where you are, so look up your local traffic laws.

[Aggie_Ama]

I should clarify I am only concerned about commuting home through this area where the attack occurred after dark. I was already timid about the night riding before this happened, it is dark out on this stretch and we will be in deer rutting season soon, that is a fun time for all. But I am also convinced this probably would not happen on the same road again. Same area, maybe but the same road unlikely. I know most of my fear is unnecessary and getting out on the road will be the most empowering thing. I will commute home next week to prove it to myself.

I have looked at the SO database, we have some here (mostly acts against kids) so I know they are around my town (not my house since I live too close to a school :)).

Pepper spray is about as violent as I will go but I am more interested in self defense, I found a local place for karate and one for Krav Maga but not sure what I want yet. I would much rather take a women's only so that is what I am looking for.

Oh and this light is on those new fangled cameras which do get bikes but I am not sure they will at night. Even so the light is set to only trip after a few minutes because the other road is busier so it waits longer for mine.

[Trek420]

I am more interested in self defense, I found a local place for karate and one for Krav Maga but not sure what I want yet. I would much rather take a women's only so that is what I am looking for.

martial arts is not self defense although training could be useful in that heaven forbid I ever need it .... again :o

a self defense class is not martial arts.

A good self defense class may be women-only, take 1-3 days and give you good basics. Check schedules of an adult school near you or ask your local police for a recommendation.

and puhleeeese, don't even talk about kick boxing in the gym. Fabulous aerobic workout, fun, get you in great shape .... worse than useless as defense. :(

I can understand your wanting a women only class but:

if take up a martial art (in a dojo) it will be mixed men and women and likely male instructor. I can count on the fingers of one hand with a thumb left over the women only dojos I'm aware of. On the other hand, there are lots of great women Dojo Cho's (head instructors).

My Sensei (teacher) is a woman, the classes are mixed. And it's a good thing. :D

I like training with the guys, they like training with me. In a good dojo they will treat you well. I like knowing that if some 6'5" guy attacks "alrighty there big fella, you're shorter than Scott and I can throw and pin him" and the guys like knowing if someone 5' nuthin' attacks .... nah, that's not gonna happen. But when we do some techniques they run the other way because it's soooooo hard to do with someone shorter :cool: And sensei comes around and tells them "if you can throw Trek420 koshinage, you've got it!"

I still recommend that if you would feel better taking a class that you look for a good self defense class. That might be women only.

Martial arts is a life-long commitment, not a quick fix. My goal is never stop learning, and never use it. :cool: If you decide to take up an art look for a good teacher. Don't worry about the style.

Krav Maga & Karate are both excellent beautiful styles and can be effective self defense. Krav Maga, dang woman, that is some nasty deadly brutal awful bruising deadly stuff. I started with Karate and respect and love the art.

How did you feel about the teacher & school?

Watch a bunch of classes especially beginner classes, you're going to be one for a loooooooong time.

How do they treat beginners? How do they handle someone training with an injury? Do they warm up? Cool down? Do they seem concerned with safety?

We're so lucky in my school that unless she's away all classes are taught by the head instructor. Very unusual for someone of her rank. Go to a bunch of different classes because at most schools different advanced students teach different classes.

Watch an advanced class. You should feel inspired, almost a sense of wonder. That's your teacher! that's your style.

That's how I felt when I first saw Aikido demonstrated. At the time I was already 2nd kyu (upper level brown belt) in Wa Do Ryu Karate, I saw Aikido at a demo and said "I gotta do that.". Two days later I'd signed up. That was about 1980 ... here I am still trying to learn it. Guess I'm slow :rolleyes: or it's something you never master.

www.ai-ki-do.org

Well, off to the dojo. Have fun, be safe everyone.

[DigUpHerBones07]

I have been told that, at least in my area, the trigger for the light sensor is in the middle of the lane 3-5 feet back from the crosswalk lines. Usually under the large arrow, if there is one there. But I really agree with the four way stop idea. I would much rather get a ticket than have a run in with the assailant.

Now, I may sound like a crazy person here, but I swear I am not. I have carried Mace a few times, but I always have felt safer carrying a knife. You can find smaller ones that you can tuck into your sock or sleeve that will still pack quite a punch.

I really hope that guy is caught and you don't have to worry anymore.

[Trek420]

I agree that at any intersection that you feel iffy about, don't stick around waiting for a light .... go.

If it feels weird, maybe it is.

If you're pulled over by the cops they will understand and yes, better a ticket than remain in what you intuit is a vulnerable situation.

Your best defense is that small voice that says "go".

Listen :cool:

I don't favor debate of what to carry where when for many reasons. I don't know what they have, I don't know what they know. I'm sometimes asked "have you ever used it?" meaning Aikido training. The couple'a times I've ended up "using it" my attackers apologized :rolleyes: From talking to other Aikidoists this seems quite common. Guess the perp did not think I train.

Surprise Surprise :D :rolleyes: :p :D I've really gotta work on that vicious East Bay Don't Mess With Me look :rolleyes:

There is a bike/ped freeway overpass on my commute that is very isolated. I've been trying to get it signed so I'll have some company on it :D

The reason I may sometimes have a tiny knife when I'm there is I'm reasonably sure that if I had to I could draw and use it before they knew. I'm reasonably confident that if a perp got my weapon I know what to do.

But I never want to draw it, never want to use it except to open a Luna Bar wrapper which is about what it's good for.

The fight we avoid, never starts or you're able to just up and leave is the one you win. Asked why we don't use kicks in Aikido I say "because we like to run away" or walk or ride in my Arthritic case. :rolleyes:

I take very seriously the words of Hans Goto Sensei, who I've trained with. He said something along the lines of when we're doing tanto (knife) training that "You first must accept and expect that you are about to get very badly hurt, maybe mortally injured." With this technique and that maybe you can survive, maybe he gets hurt worse, maybe you win ...

Do as I say, not as I do. I carry but do not recommend anyone do so.

Ride safe, be aware and alert, use your judgement and intuition, have fun .... just get out and ride.

[Aggie_Ama]

Trek- Thanks for all the insight to self defense classes. I am still researching what to do. I mainly right now want self-defense so I am seeing if they offer that. Someone or my mom suggested calling the local sheriff to inquire. I am not sure I have the time to devote to taking up the sport or art.

Krav Maga- lol. I looked at the site and thought it was a little intense. I don't want to kill anyone, just make them go away and not mess with the little woman on the bike again.

Right now it is still light out, I have other riders on the road, I feel like I can handle this time of year. But when the night takes over and I still want to commute through this intersection I want to have even more on my side.

Coincidentally I have not rode since I heard this but it is because I have had other things to do, not because I am paralyzed in fear.

[Trek420]

Someone or my mom suggested calling the local sheriff to inquire.

I think I did, also listen to your Mom, your Mom is very wise and is right! :p They will know of or even offer a good class themselves.


I am not sure I have the time to devote to taking up the sport or art.

It's not an art, it's an addiction :p Who's got time for it? :rolleyes: I sure don't.


Krav Maga- lol. I looked at the site and thought it was a little intense. I don't want to kill anyone, just make them go away and not mess with the little woman on the bike again.

Don't judge by the site, you have to watch the teacher, the class. But yes it's a very intense art to put it mildly.

I used to think Capoeira which is an art developed by Brazilian slaves was pretty but they spend too much time upside down, it's dance-like, looks like fun but would not work etc. And then ... I saw the local master and was just bowled over, so impressed.

How to pick a style :rolleyes:
http://www.fudebakudo.com/cgi-bin/mentor.pl

Twice I've used my training. Both times I was fine, perp was not hurt yet apologized (well, it was more like "I'M SORRY, I'M SORRY, I'M SORRY ...." as he ran). I think both guys will have 2nd thoughts about messing with little women again because it could be a surprise. ;)


Coincidentally I have not rode since I heard this but it is because I have had other things to do, not because I am paralyzed in fear.

Of course! Get out and ride :D

[vinbek]

I don't think you have to go through life paranoid, but I do think as women, we need to be aware - aware at all times. My sister was kidnapped and raped in broad daylight. Taken from a parking lot at her doctor's office. As a result of that, I have taken many self defense courses, mace courses and target practice - I owned a gun for many years. I always lock my doors to the car - even during the day. My house doors are always locked. It drives my husband crazy, but he wasn't in the picture when the incident happened with my sister....it can be extemely traumatic. I live in San Ramon, CA and the new thing here, is for theives to follow women home from the grocery store and while unloading bags from the back of the car, they enter and steal your purse, etc. We have Neighborhood Watch and the police keep us posted with what the new trends in scams are. I am surprised at how naive I can be sometimes - and watch those door-to-door sales people, lots of them are casing houses to come back later....

[Aggie_Ama]

Vinbek- That is scary but good advice. I always lock the doors even though I was raised in a low crime area and still live in one. For one year in college I lived in my own apartment and my parents beat it into my head that doors must be locked. My husband began to embrace it when we lived in a ground floor apartment and some drunk friend of our neighbor walked in the living room one night. I have never been so angry, the fool didn't even knock or apologize!

Funny aside on the salesman.... One thing is I always open then door only enough to see them and the way the house is built you cannot see anything because the front door is angled. But we have a "beware of dog" door mat. Usually my littlest Schnauzer runs to scream at anyone at the door and the obnoxious salesperson will say "Is this who I am to beware of?" My answer is always "No, it is the 130 lb rottweiler sleeping in my living room." That usually will get either a laugh or more often a slight flinch. We do sometimes dog sit my parents rottie and if I thought we could have one without injuring my blind schnauzer we would. My experience from the 4 family have owned is they aren't mean dogs but they scare the bejeezus out of people! My parents yard crew wouldn't mow the backyard for a year because of Athena, finally they aren't scared of her.

[OakLeaf]

There is no such thing as a magnetic sensor for a traffic light.... it is either optical or induction loop -

okay my mistake... it's known as a "magnetometer" or "magnetic induction loop" like other metal detectors, so that's why I incorrectly used the term "magnetic." I've never known anyone to be able to trigger one with a carbon frame bicycle. My aluminum-frame motorcycle won't trigger a lot of lights, but that probably is a calibration issue.

[Aggie_Ama]

In the newspaper (http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2008/10/10/woman_charged_with_false_repor.html)tonight I see the woman who reported this made it up. Why do people do such a thing? I am still going to look into a self defense class and possibly pepper spray but I am completely relieved to know there is not some perp running around raping people near my house. And just tonight I went for a run around my neighborhood at 9:00 while DH cleaned his bike and was a little worried if I should be out at night alone. Some of our streets are lit but not developed with houses yet. Ugh. I am taking back my independence, roads and sanity.

Seriously this woman needs help.

[vinbek]

WOW, that's too bad. She probably is clueless about how she affected the community. And too bad that she wasted valuable time and resources of the community too. Sounds like she needs some help. But, maybe this will help you in the long run. Awareness is not a bad thing. Bekki

[Blueberry]

I don't know whether to say that sucks or that's great. I'd be relieved, but I'd also be PO'd. You have more awareness now - which can't be a bad thing....

CA