How do you protect yourself?

[Blanche]

Hello everyone.

I was very excited to find this women's site as I was researching saddles. But that's a story for another time and another board! Since I'm new here, I hope I'm not dredging up something that's been beat to death.

I've been cycling for over 30 yrs. and have had my fair share of crazy drivers and angry dogs. But last month a situation developed that really frightened me. Since I'm a lone female cyclist, I am wondering if any of you have had a similar experience and how you protect yourself from criminal intent.

Since I live in a rural area and bike around 30 miles each outing, I sometimes find myself on lightly traveled, deserted roads. This particular time, a man in a Broncho pulled over on the opposite side of the road and watched me go by. I checked my mirror and saw he had turned around and was approaching me very slowly. He pulled up right beside me, said nothing and began pacing me. I gave him no eye contact, just kept riding. When another car came up behind him, he sped up. I made note of his license plate and kept riding. He then turned around and came toward me again. With absolute clarity I knew a situation was developing and that I was in big trouble. As blessings would have it, across the road, up a long expanse of grass and a small hill there were houses. I jumped off my bike and started pushing it up the hill toward them. The man then turned onto the dirt road beside where I was. It was then I knew I would never have enough time to make it to the houses, so I stopped, and with hands shaking like they've never shook before, looked back at his truck as he was creeping up the dirt road, and pulled out my cell phone, which I promptly forgot how to use!! (I always hate those women in the scary movies who can't get their key in the car, or fall...now, I understand!!) Anyway, he left when he saw me using the cell phone. I don't ride very fast, but believe me, I booked those last 6 miles home!

I now carry 2 police-grade canisters of pepper spray and a water bottle full of amonia for good measure.

Would you share your experiences and how you handled them? Thanks so much.

Blanche

[AutumnBreez]

Wow, that would be scary, I have not had that happen to that extent, but being followed/watched is very uncomfy, especially out in the boonies where I have to get my miles in, in order to get them. You handled it well as I think you could. Only thing I seen in your issue was maybe to pick up that phone sooner, but purhaps that was not possible, or thought of sooner. Good job, and I think your pepper spray is a wise choice. Do you also have id w/emergency contacts in the tube of your bike? also in helmet? You carry it on person too. It would still be advisable to talk to the police of your location of this incident, the license you took down, and details of vehicle and any other about driver. They may have had previous calls on identical vehicle descriptions but not a plate memorized, you could help save yourself and others if he is already wanted for other assault, or stalkings. Not to creep you out, but it could be valuable info you have. Or, yes, maybe he was just a jerk without past history (or life for that matter). I say, " better safe then sorry " !

[Kimred]

I always carry Pepper Spray after a guy sicked two dogs on me. I also carry a Cell phone,small knife,My ID in my helmet,shoe and bike bag. I never leave home without telling someone my exact route and when to expect me home. If I'm gone longer than that they know to be alert and to look for me. If I'm late I will call. I always try to look people in the eye and let them know I am ALERT and Ready! I do not shy away. I feel a look of confidence is important. I also wear very conservative clothes when I'm out by myself.

I have a route that goes up a hill to a old cemetary. It's always so quite and dark because the road is heavily lined with trees. I've pictured a guy with a chain saw coming out of the woods a couple time. To many scary movies! :eek:

Kim

[nuthatch]

WOW! I've been thinking I need to have my cell phone in its own little pouch on the handlebars for a while now - this story has convinced me. I'm so glad you handled it well and you're safe. I wonder if I could get the pepper spray out fast enough - it seems like everything is a jumble in my pack all the time.

[Allie1DukeFn]

This is SO bizarre! Normally I ride with my DH - but he's been hurting the last two days so I've been riding by myself. I am also out in the boonies.

I was just thinking before I left today about such awful things happening while I am out by myself. I almost didn't go - but convinced myself that I couldn't sit in my house and be afraid.

All are very good suggestions - thanks for sharing! I keep a cell phone with me as well. I also make sure that my DH knows what route I'm taking and when I'm leaving so he knows when to expect me back.

[gretassister]

:eek: creepy with a capital C !! I think I would have taken off through the woods or a field long before you did.

[Blueberry]

Wow Blanche! That's scary. I think you did precisely the best thing you could have. I think about it a lot too (especially since one of the kind folks in the LBS mentioned that there were certain places in my area females shouldn't ride alone because of muggings :mad: and bike jackings :mad: !). I usually ride with my DH, but he isn't a morning person, and often that's the only time I have to ride - so I ride along. I've started carrying my cell phone in my camelbak, but wonder whether I could really get it out in time.

Pepper spray is something I'll have to look into soon - especially as I'll be riding more near dawn/dusk as the days shorten.

I had a similar situation in my car about 8 years ago - I had a nut case get out of a car at a stop sign and come towards me. I had an old cell phone that wasn't hooked up in the car with me. I picked it up and pretended to be dialing - he got back in his car and took off in a hurry.

Glad you're OK :) - and I agree - report it. Even if the guy doesn't have a record, he'll have one the next time he tries to mess with someone.

[Grog]

Blanche, your story frightens me a bit (although I don't happen to ride in similar deserted roads) but mostly makes me angry. Why is it that women should be harassed and forced into carrying weapons to protect themselves from a couple of idiots out there that feel it's exciting to creep us up (if not worse!!)? Why do they need to have such a control on women? Why is it that very few men will ever have similar feelings when riding (or walking or whatever) alone anywhere?? Why is that we'd feel like we have to ride with some guy just to feel safe??? Why is it that we even have to THINK about the eventuality of such a thing happening??????

It makes me so mad.

I am not sure about the right course of action to take in such a situation but it sounds like you did the best you could do.

Ride strong ladies, don't let anyone intimidate you. I love you all.

[Trek420]

Blanche, anything that you do to survive is ok, you did the right thing.

what Grog said, don't let anything stop you from riding, if you do, they win.

being a "single parent of a dog" I tell my dog my route and when to expect me back ;-)

I think I shared my thoughts about guns and self defense in the other related recent thread but...

where is the jersey that says "Powered by Smith and Wesson"?

[Trekhawk]

Blanche - Glad to hear you are ok and that is a really creepy story. It makes me mad to think that not only do we have to contend with Dogs and Cars etc but that we should even have to consider routes on how isolated we may become because of jerks like that guy.

I always ride on my own and gradually my rides are getting longer. If I dont want to ride the same route over and over to get the kms then I will also need to take some less travelled roads. I have never considered travelling with any sort of spray etc as its just not something Im use to coming from Australia but Im now wondering if I should. :confused:

[Irulan]

so did you report this guy?

[Blanche]

To all of you I thank you so much for your wonderful and powerful responses. Yes, my husband and I did make a police report and also posted several notices around our community. Unfortunately, by the time I remembered how to use the cell and finally got my husband, I had just about forgotten the license plate number. But, I had a good description of the car and a decent description of the driver. I prayed that day that he did not do anything to anyone else.

What I found out from research is that he was a predator (obviously) and what they usually do is "test" their victims first to see how weak they are and if they would be able to overtake them, etc. It is always a test you want to fail. You want him to think that you would be a difficult "victim."

I now wear what I call my "commando belt." It's a fanny pack with 2 canisters of pepper spray in holsters on each side. I always have my cell phone on, clipped to the belt, not inside the pack where I would have to fumble with it...and I have my husband's phone number up so all I have to do is push one button. The water bottle full of amonia as a back up. I call my husband before I leave and again when I return. I now will put my name and address on stuff, because I don't carry ID...never actually thought about it since I bike locally. But, have to do it now. Great suggestion.

Also, always before I go out, I think about where everything is and if I have to, I practice getting to it, so I won't forget. I will NEVER forget how to use a cell again, or be casual about my safety.

You know, I too am so angry that we as women always have to be looking over our shoulders and wondering if that guy that just passed us and looked us over is a criminal.

I refuse to give up riding, but I did modify my route so that I am somewhat closer to houses and the stretches of deserted road are less.

Bless you all and please, stay safe.

Blanche

[Surlygirl]

grettasister, I was concerned when I read your reply. Heading into the woods or a field where you are out of sight and away from any help might get you in more trouble. Then you are alone and not visable. Looking for houses, stores, places where there are people would be a better idea. Always get a license plate number and call the police even if you have the slightest unease. What's the worst that can happen, they send and officer to where you are!

[bikerchick68]

Blanche... I just saw this and man, I am so glad you were not hurt... we had an incident here in San Diego last year where a man tried to drag a jogger into his truck... she kicked the crap outta him, and ran screaming... this was in broad daylight on a highly traveled street... the guy was caught later...

I also ride alone, but in a very populated area... despite that I STILL carry a cell phone and pepper spray. I wear RoadID and also have my info in my seatbag... one attached to me and another on the bike just in case...

I've had one incident on the bike where I was feeling creeped out and held up my pepper spray and showed it to the guy... who then drove off... he never did anything that I could prove was intent... but I really trust my gut instinct... if I feel like something is not right, I believe it's not right and respond. I figure the worst that can happen is I'll have my pepper spray and/or phone out and have to put it away again...

glad you're safe...

[AllezGirl]

I now will put my name and address on stuff, because I don't carry ID...never actually thought about it since I bike locally. But, have to do it now. Great suggestion

I made photocopys of my ID and health insurance card and keep one in the seat wedge on each of my bikes.

[Trekhawk]

I now will put my name and address on stuff, because I don't carry ID...never actually thought about it since I bike locally. But, have to do it now. Great suggestion

I made photocopys of my ID and health insurance card and keep one in the seat wedge on each of my bikes.

AllezGirl - I have just recently received my RoadID in the mail and it is a great way to carry all your details on you. I have the one that goes around your neck on a chain but there are many other versions. Great idea if you happen to become separated from your bike and your photocopied ID.

[AllezGirl]

I just saw their website the other day and plan to order one too! Great product!

[nicolezoie]

Most of my riding is solo.

One of the routes I take is kind of off the beaten path so to speak, but it's also a very heavily traveled route during daylight hours, so I'm not really alone out there. The only times of day I would NOT take this route is before dawn or after sunset. It goes through some wetlands along the banks of a river, and lots of transients like to make camp there under the roadway bridges. There's plenty of places for people to hide and pop out, and while nothing has happened, that's not to say it *couldn't* happen. I just try to zoom through the most remote portion as quickly as possible, and keep a close "feel" on my surroundings.

I used to ride solo through the outlaying hills in my area (Elfin Forest for those familiar with San Diego County) but it occurred to me that even IF I am careful, all it would take is one car to shoot me off the road and into oblivion. Places like that are much safer in groups or at least with one other person. There's something to be said about riding in a large enough group that cars have to wait for you to pass before they can. :rolleyes:

I don't do anything *consciously* in particular to protect myself other than staying in well-traveled areas, and what many of the others have posted. Some things I do is if it's an unfamiliar route, if possible I'll scope it out in my car first so I know where I'm going and what to expect. I bring my cellphone and keep it within easy reach, patch kit, air cartridges, and sometimes a snack in case of emergency, but don't keep a pocketknife with me. I have thought about it, especially in the River Trail area, but for the hundreds of times I've ridden through there, I recognize the same folks, over and over. I know better than to get comfortable and complacent, but women run solo out there. I'm on a bike; which is an easier target? I have this idea that the faster I go the less of a target I am.

[ironic_chef]

I saw the ads for RoadID in magazines, but found something cheaper.

On EBay, I searched for pet id tags, or similar. I found a seller with more than a dozen styles of tags including ones that look identical to the metal part of RoadID.

The tags don't come with bands, but you can make your own. The cost of 3 tags was less than US$10 (incl. shipping) and included engraving - I have my name, hometown, and two emergency contact numbers on each tag.

I made up a wrist band with some elastic and wear it all the time when riding.

[amg]

I now wear what I call my "commando belt." It's a fanny pack with 2 canisters of pepper spray in holsters on each side. I always have my cell phone on, clipped to the belt, not inside the pack where I would have to fumble with it...and I have my husband's phone number up so all I have to do is push one button. The water bottle full of amonia as a back up. I call my husband before I leave and again when I return. I now will put my name and address on stuff, because I don't carry ID...never actually thought about it since I bike locally. But, have to do it now. Great suggestion.

Also, always before I go out, I think about where everything is and if I have to, I practice getting to it, so I won't forget. I will NEVER forget how to use a cell again, or be casual about my safety.

If you have 911 in your area, it might be a good idea to program them in if you have one button memory dial on your phone. And don't some phones even let you call 911 when the keypad is are locked? That way you're getting to help faster than if you have to call your husband who may have to call help while getting out to you.

Like Trek420, I too am a single parent of a dog, so I often go on rides with no one knowing where I'm going or my route. I mix up the route every now and then, because I have this idea that if I consistently ride solo on the same route some weirdo could learn my route and lay in wait! My imagination is too good. Plus I like variety.

For long solo mtb rides, the dog comes with me, and for road rides, I stick to busier roads, or ones frequented by other road riders. I always carry my drivers license, medical card, a bit of cash, and my cell phone. I've taken a basic what-parts-to-hit self defence course, and after living in a bad area for a little while, I have no problem with being REALLY rude and offputting to get creepy people away from me. Being loud is important if you feel you're in danger - draw attention to yourself and learn to let out that inner b*tch. :)

I've been thinking of getting one of those cage rocket thingies that go in your water bottle holder, although that would mean figuring out where to put another bottle holder. Still, everything would be right there and easy to get at.

[Aint Doody]

Well, y'all might not believe this one, but I was accosted by a man in one of those motorized wheelchairs! I was riding down a 2-lane, one-way street in our small town 2 blocks from Main St. It was maybe 4 pm. This fellow in his wheelchair was going the wrong way on the street in the street--not on the sidewalk. When he saw me, he made a diagonal line across the street right toward me with a pretty definite leer and made some crack like "Hey, baby." Fortunately those contraptions aren't known for speed. As there was no traffic, I outmanuevered him. I kept wondering what he would have done if he'd "gotten" me. I mean, the man apparently couldn't walk! I'd have probably been thrown in jail if I'd have pepper sprayed him! What's next???

[crazycanuck]

When i go for my morning rides (almost dawn but not quite) I put my cell phone and my wallet in my camelback so if i do end up in an awkward sit at least i can ring my other half or someone can figure out who i am if i'm knocked off my bike. Ian knows when i'm going biking but i feel safe out there.

The good thing about my bike rides is they're along the train lines and have memorized the routes I take and any wierd areas to avoid. I haven't come accross any idiots on the bike paths in perth yet!

One more thing. If you have or want to put an emergency contact, put the person's name as "George-ICE(in case of emergency)".

c

[CorsairMac]

another lesson I learned while running: vary your route. Don't follow the same path/direction/time every time you go out. If someone has evil intentions they'll learn your route and then find the spot to "lay in wait" as it were. Sometimes it may be something as simple as riding your route backwards several days a week or leaving 5 mins earlier/10 mins later etc.

[Sleek]

I'm concerned about the responses that indicate they feel that having a cell phone or showing a pepper spray canister will help. I wouldn't like to rely on that myself. In fact, with pepper spray, you run the risk of their taking it from you and using it on you. Better just to spray them and ask questions later, imo. Wonder if we could come up with a pepper spray canister holder for just under the top tube?

I've carried pepper spray on my keychain for a decade. Never have had to use it, and don't have any bad experiences that lead to it. I just feel it is a world we need to be prepared for these days. Rather than being scared, I'd just say: accept reality and be prepared, keep your eyes open. Stay healthy everyone!

[limewave]

I carry pepper spray and cell phone when I ride alone as well. I also let my husband know exactly what route I'm taking and when I can be expected home.

I had a similar incident last summer when a pickup truck with two creepy guys began to pace me and then immediately sped up as another car came up behind them. Then they turned around and started back towards me. Fortunately there were a few houses set back from the road. I rode up one of the driveways, parked my bike by their door and started taking of my gear, pretending that I lived there. The guys left. I called for back up and a friend came and got me.

The next day I rode down that same street and someone had vandalized the road with very lewed drawings and threats. It probably wasn't connected with the guys in the pick-up, but it added to the creepiness.

[Danariel]

Wow. I live in a pretty good neighborhood, but eventually I know I'll be riding further from home, and perhaps through some deserted and/or less than desirable areas. If I ever feel uncomfortable, rather than letting that put me off what I want to do, I'll get one of the fanny pack holsters for my Glock. I have a carry permit, but I'd make sure to go to the range often if I ever DO start carrying.

I'm prior Military, so I'm pretty comfortable with guns. I haven't read "the other thread" someone else alluded to, so I hope this doesn't rub anyone the wrong way...

The RoadID is a marvelous idea, too. I carry my little ID folder with my driver's license and a $20 in my Wedgie bag under my seat, but if someone takes the bike from me, I'm probably SOL. I do wear my cell phone on my waistband, so at least that's easy to get to.

[go get em]

I to carry pepperspray on my rides. Especially since most of my riding is very remote(one or two cars may pass me) and I never really know where I am going until I get on my bike. I always call a friend or my husband along the way and let them know where I'm at.
The guys I ride with frown upon me when I ride alone in such remote areas, but it is the only place I like to ride.
I to live in North San Diego and know the trail Nicolezoie is talking about. I had a flat on that trail, while riding alone, and I never had changed a tire so fast. I decided I will not ride that one alone.
One time I decided I wanted to climb the back side of Polamar Mountain on my mountain bike, but I didn't want to do it alone. (The only cars we saw were ones that were stolen and dumped).So my husband volunteered to follow me in his truck. (Since he doesn't ride). My kids in tow-
They had fun feeding me M&M's and water along the way.

[Trekhawk]

[QUOTE go gget em]So my husband volunteered to follow me in his truck. (Since he doesn't ride). My kids in tow-
They had fun feeding me M&M's and water along the way.

go gget em - thats so cute. I think if it was my boys passing the M&M's though I would be lucky to get any. Great way to tackle your ride and stay safe, good for you. :)

[crazycanuck]

Umm..this is getting a bit freaky..carrying a gun whilst riding???? Pepper spray???. Excuse me for being a bit ignorant but do you really need those two items?? Perhaps this is the Canadian/ New Zealander coming out in me...Remind me not to move to America...and bother ladies biking with guns...

c

no offense to anyone ok..this is just an observation....

[emily_in_nc]

Umm..this is getting a bit freaky..carrying a gun whilst riding???? Pepper spray???. Excuse me for being a bit ignorant but do you really need those two items??

I would never carry a gun, but I have carried pepper spray for years for dealing with dogs. I very rarely need it, but if one is very persistent and comes right up to my pedals in a threatening manner, by golly he's going to get a snoutful! It causes no permanent damage, just gives me enough chance to scoot away while the dog is rubbing his eyes in the grass. Don't get me wrong, I like dogs very much, have one myself, but being threatened by unfriendly, unrestrained ones while riding is scary and potentially dangerous, and I will do whatever it takes to protect myself.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get to my pepper spray in time when I had my accident in April, despite the fact that it was mounted right on my handlebars - the dogs that ran right at me came out of nowhere way too fast. It might have saved me a broken pelvis if I could have used it. :(

Emily

[RoadRaven]

One more thing. If you have or want to put an emergency contact, put the person's name as "George-ICE(in case of emergency)".

c

NZ has just started a big ICE campaign here - excellent idea... this house has phones and watches with an ICE number programmed in

[JLD]

To add fuel to this--a most despicable crime against a young woman-occured here in Ottawa Ontario Canada two years ago. On a very hot muggy afternoon a young woman went out to ride and was killed by a predator. They haven't got the bastard yet--and this is a huge bone to pick at here in the local cycling community. As a result of this terrible crime--the city now issues free cell phones to riders--loaned for up to a week. There are volunteer bike patrols, too. Many sections of the pathway system here-can be isolated-and obviously-empty of traffic at certain times of the day. The crime against this vibrant young woman--stunned the city--and one of the things I noticed afterwards--were less women riders on the paths. It seems now--matters are returning to better numbers of women riding--however--even 2 weeks ago--there were reports of a look-a-like--if not the same guy--again cruisng in the same spot where the woman was killed. I am certain my local police force are doing the best they can to track and get this creep--but--there is no denying the frustration of the locals--that he hasn't been caught.

[Trekhawk]

[QUOTE=JLD]To add fuel to this--a most despicable crime against a young woman-occured here in Ottawa Ontario Canada two years ago. On a very hot muggy afternoon a young woman went out to ride and was killed by a predator.

Hi JLD - that is terrible. Keep aware and safe wont you.

[JLD]

I cycle alone--bike commute--and am out and about at midnight frequently. I rarely carry ID--never money--don't have a cell phone. BUT--my place of work does know my nightly route--I do pay attention to my surroundings--and there are no short cuts.....This poor woman--was out in Broad daylight--on an isolated wooded section of the eastern path section--when there is poor traffic in that zone. It is completely shocking and despicable--and Everyone wants this bastard caught.

[fasteryet]

a good way to carry small items like a phone or spray is something called a "bento box". It straps to the top tube of your bike, and puts items right in reach. Here is a picture from Amazon, but I got mine (a small one) on eBay.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0001IXAGC/102-1472505-0180943?v=glance

[seagrape]

I carry pepper spray clipped to my shorts (I have a C.C.W.). My DH offers firearms training and self-defence, so he constantly- and rightly- nags me to look after myself. This reminds me, PLEASE check with your local state laws about carrying spray... While I doubt very much that if you need to use it that a cop would make trouble for you, pepper sprays/mace/knives et c. are usually treated as weapons (and rightly so), so make sure you have any applicable licenses.

We need to exercise the same caution on our bikes that we use when we are out and about doing our everyday things.

[bouncybouncy]

The Wild, Wild East...that is what FL has come to! How is this for protection?

bouncy*does NOT advocate violence in any form*bouncy

just here to inform....

[seagrape]

Not being a gun nut myself, I will say that that ad is a paid advertisement, which is trying to frighten people to gain its own political agenda. The law which comes into force tomorrow is an extension of the current castle domain law, simply making to 'easier,' if you will, to go about your life during an investigation following a 'self-defence' incident. It doesn't change when you can legally defend yourself or or re-define when you can prevent a forceable felony.

As I stated, I'm not into guns, gun culture or its politics, but I am survivor of a violent crime, and I strongly support the right to defend one's self, especially as more and more of our civil rights are being re-negotiated. It's one of the few things I like about the States and FL.

I really hate politics. I'll leave it at that.

Peace, love and all that good stuff...

[bouncybouncy]

I agree seagrape, I am not against "self-defense" one bit...I am concerned with the medias portrayal of this law...I flipped through the news channels last night and this morning and saw nothing about what this law was really about, only the FACT that "Floridians now have a law allowing us to shoot in self-defense no questions asked!!!" (that is in quotes because that is what you get out of the report)
Don't you think that protrayal could get out of hand when it is too late, someone has already been shot? Just makes me a little nervous of how the public is going to interpret this one....

besides...this paid advertisement is getting ALOT of coverage and it is going to affect the tourists decisions...

[seagrape]

I agree and I apologise if I was a bit defensive (pardon the pun- I got that dumb cold that's going around and I'm kinda cranky:( ) You're right-it's a very irresponsible portrayal of the law and I really believe that FL. needs to really tighten its law about the firearm's training requirement, anyway... I believe that the law states now that we don't have to retreat before shooting (or shpritizing someone with pepper spray) My DH still will teach people to retreat, before shooting, as it's simply more responsible (and better for everyone :))

But, yeah, you're right. It'll be interesting to see what happens with this one...

And you're right about tourism; with gas prices as they are and the hurricanes, the LAST thing we need right now is a wild west media campaign to frighten tourists away.

[bouncybouncy]

seagrape: (cute name BTW) No need to apologize...I was a little vague on my opinion and it is always hard to portray attitude (good, bad, or otherwise) through type.

Sorry to hear that you had an experience we all fear...It is not something anyone should go through!!!

I just hate the thought along with watching out for road debris, crazy animals, and ignorant drivers...now we have to beware of people with a vendeta (sp?) looking for an excuse to use "self-defense" I wish us all safety and nothing but smooth rides....meanwhile watch you front, your back, and the sides...

Happy riding...looks like we are dodging another storm....one more month :D