Security

[Yasmin]

Hi all,
Anyone know what to do about personal security on a bicycle? I do a huge amount of riding alone & am aware that freaks exist. By law (in Australia) we're not allowed to carry a blade more than 3" long. At the moment I rely on manoeuvrebility on the bike & sticking to areas I know fairly well. However, I am aware of how vulnerable I am. Being 49yrs, 5' 2" tall & 112lbs doesn't make me look very threatening & could make me an easy target.
Any ideas? Thanks. Yasmin.

[Trek420]

hi there! good question.

a good place to start is here

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=3737&highlight=protection

[Yasmin]

hi there! good question.

a good place to start is here

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=3737&highlight=protection
Thanks for that. I've read what you've posted. Another fear I have is my mobile (cell) 'phone doesn't work in many areas I travel..no network coverage. I really need a satellite 'phone, but they're so expensive. Carrying some ammonia in a bottle sounds good. In Australia I don't think we're allowed to carry pepper spray, so ammonia might be the go for me. Thanks again. Look forward to reading more view points. Regards, Yasmin.

[Nanci]

I am so tired of being scared. First the attempted break in at my house. (Called police.) Then the Creepy Guy on the bike trail. (inquired at LBS, informed police that drove by.) Then the drunk creepy neighbor that turned up in the middle of the night Sunday. (Called police.) Then, I'm riding Monday, and had the worst, absolute worst dog chasing incident ever! Big dog, almost got hit by two cars and he still wouldn't give up, I was sprinting as fast as I could and he chased me _so far_ I couldn't believe it! Around a corner and kept on chasing. I now have double the desire for pepper spray, but BF assures me that there is no way I will be able to actually get it out and spray the dog in time. (I'm not sure before what, he bites me? Gives up? I crash?) Do you guys think that's true?

Nanci

[traveller_62]

nanci,

i agree with you BF. i was attacked by a dog just as i was slowing down in front of my house a year ago. even if i had pepper spray i would not have had a chance to use it. fortunately for me he bit and let go quickly so i didn't lose a chunk of my calf muscle (did have to get a shot though).

i've also been chased by dogs on my bike and i can't imagine trying to sprint AND getting the pepper spray ready!

in terms of human threats i think the general feeling is that if you carry a weapon of any type it will generally get used against you instead of your attacker. most of us aren't "wired" to inflict pain on someone and that moment hesitation is all that a "bad guy" needs to turn the tables.

i think our biggest source of protection is our own instincts. if i think i'm being followed or something i'll stop and look at my watch and look behind me as if i'm waiting for someone. or i'll pull out my cell phone and pretend i'm talking to someone. i think most attackers are opportunistic and are looking for easy marks. if they think things could get complicated they'll often move on.

traveller

[anne_77]

I don't know if I could get it out in time for a dog, but I do keep pepper spray wrapped on my lower handle bar (with a pony tail holder) just in case.

Luckily I haven't been chased by a dog yet. That would be so scary!

[Nanci]

What if you don't run, you just have the pepper spray on the bars and stop and whip it out. Does that dog ever chase a bike again?

I don't care so much about riding in a strange place and getting chased- it's the habitual chasers on my favorite routes that bother me. That dog Monday was so bad I am afraid to ride on that road ever again.

Nanci

[bikerchick68]

I do carry pepper spray... but also remember for dogs, yell NO and grab your water bottle and spray them! It can startle them enough to slow them down or make them stop... there are no guarantees but at least that's something you have with you when riding that can be used! Also, if you think fast, and they get close... whack 'em with your bike pump!

I've been chased 4 times by dogs... 3 of those times in the same area. I still ride there but now I have the water and/or pepper spray out... I've begun reporting loose dogs that chase me to animal control as well...

nanci... I remember you were feeling very violated by all the unsafe stuff going on... have you considered taking a self defense course? Sometimes that alone can at least make you feel like you have a fighting chance should something happen...

[CorsairMac]

my pepper spray story and why I don't carry it anymore:

My ex insisted I carry pepper spray on the bike in case of dogs. So I'm riding alone one day and started climbing a long, steep roller type hill and 2 big dogs - think Rotts - come out after me. There is no way I can sprint up that hill but I have the pepper spray in my jersey pocket within easy reach. I reach in my pocket and grab that pepper spray and pull it out all ready to shoot those dogs and watch the spray cap come flying off the canister and go sailing off into the bushes on the side of the road. OK....now I"m mad at the pepper spray, mad at the ex, mad at the long, steep hill, and mad at those dogs so I turned and yelled as loud as I could at those dogs. I told them GO HOME and LEAVE ME ALONE!!! Both dogs stopped and looked at me like :eek: :eek: and turned and high tailed it home.
Dogs see anything "fleeing" as prey so now I just slow waaaaaaaay down, grab my water bottle, and yell at the dog. I also make sure I yell really loud at the houses in the area to come and get their dog. Even if the owners aren't home, the neighbours usually are and will come out and call the dog off. So far, most dogs go back home when you stop and yell at them.

[Trekhawk]

Thanks for that. I've read what you've posted. Another fear I have is my mobile (cell) 'phone doesn't work in many areas I travel..no network coverage. I really need a satellite 'phone, but they're so expensive. Carrying some ammonia in a bottle sounds good. In Australia I don't think we're allowed to carry pepper spray, so ammonia might be the go for me. Thanks again. Look forward to reading more view points. Regards, Yasmin.

Hi Yasmin - yes you are right about peper spray or mace it is against the law to carry it in Aust so this will not be an option for you. Perhaps you could try carrying an airhorn or something that makes a lot of noise. I have been thinking about getting something like that myself and it would be good to use back in Aust when I return home.

[margo49]

I believe in riding early in the morning. The pathologicals are less likely to be out and about and those who *are* tend to be sporty types (runners, bikers,etc)
I also had a weird experience once which dissolved when I took out my cell phone. Which was quite funny (afterwards) because he drove off b4 the SO answered my call
What really upsets me is young men who harrass me. Because I think "I could be your Mother". :( Also men who will deliberately stop for a pee. :rolleyes:

[DirtDiva]

I don't know if it's because I'm young and stupid, because I'm a naive little Kiwi or what, but I never ever think about that kind of stuff when I'm on my bike. *shrug*

[Yasmin]

my pepper spray story and why I don't carry it anymore:

My ex insisted I carry pepper spray on the bike in case of dogs. So I'm riding alone one day and started climbing a long, steep roller type hill and 2 big dogs - think Rotts - come out after me. There is no way I can sprint up that hill but I have the pepper spray in my jersey pocket within easy reach. I reach in my pocket and grab that pepper spray and pull it out all ready to shoot those dogs and watch the spray cap come flying off the canister and go sailing off into the bushes on the side of the road. OK....now I"m mad at the pepper spray, mad at the ex, mad at the long, steep hill, and mad at those dogs so I turned and yelled as loud as I could at those dogs. I told them GO HOME and LEAVE ME ALONE!!! Both dogs stopped and looked at me like :eek: :eek: and turned and high tailed it home.
Dogs see anything "fleeing" as prey so now I just slow waaaaaaaay down, grab my water bottle, and yell at the dog. I also make sure I yell really loud at the houses in the area to come and get their dog. Even if the owners aren't home, the neighbours usually are and will come out and call the dog off. So far, most dogs go back home when you stop and yell at them.Hi all.
Yes, my mum used to breed dogs. Apparently standing still & letting them inspect you is what you're meant to do. Easier said than done! 2 dogs together usually means they are "egging" each other on. One dog is the leader, the other the follower. To happen upon 2 nasty character dogs is rare, but depends on how they've been reared. Yelling & showing dominance (as demonstrated by CorsairMac) usually works, but if you're scared it's the last thing you feel like doing.VERY sorry to hear of your turmoil Nanci. I know I've rambled, but hope something helps. Regards, Yasmin.

[Yasmin]

Hi Yasmin - yes you are right about peper spray or mace it is against the law to carry it in Aust so this will not be an option for you. Perhaps you could try carrying an airhorn or something that makes a lot of noise. I have been thinking about getting something like that myself and it would be good to use back in Aust when I return home.Thanks Trekhawk. If I come up with any other ideas, I'll let you know. As you know, in Australia the "laws" usually take effect after an event has occurred. Personally, I prefer the prevention method. Cheers, Yasmin.

[Yasmin]

I don't know if it's because I'm young and stupid, because I'm a naive little Kiwi or what, but I never ever think about that kind of stuff when I'm on my bike. *shrug*Sorry to bring it into your consciousness.
Kindest regards, Yasmin.

[bluerider]

I believe in riding early in the morning. The pathologicals are less likely to be out and about and those who *are* tend to be sporty types (runners, bikers,etc)


I agree with this one! On weekdays during the summer I can only ride after work but on the weekends I ride early morning and find that crazies aren't up yet.

As for feeling safe, I am a young female rider who is 5'2 and small too. Outside of carrying my cell, I try not to think about it. I tuck my ponytail but I still wear my form-fitted jerseys and shorts as it is my right to do so. I don't how to describe it but I try to convey confidence through my body language and always have an idea of where I'm going or what I'm doing. I guess it's like that self defence technique where if you are walking alone on a street, you have to assert yourself and act like you know where you are going even if you don't. Don't look act vulnerable and it hopefully deters potential attacks but also mentally makes you stronger.

Harder on a bike but I have that mentality that you can't mess me and it carries through to my body language on the bike. I don't generally think about that kind of stuff when I am riding but I trust my instinct, if I sense a car parked up front doesn't look cool, I turn around. Eye contact is huge. Stare them down if you've seen the same truck pull by twice. I do that and actually take my shades off and do a stare down.

Mostly I try to stick to routes that I know are usually routined by other roadies too.

It depresses me to know that women have to think about this but just be aware and never doubt your instincts.

As for dogs, I've only been chased by one once and it was a Great Dane so I thought it was a horse at first running along. I thought wheee, this is like the TdF when the horsies run alongside until I heard it bark. I pedalled like I stole something and when the owner finally came out to call his beast (I mean this in nicest way), he waved and yelled sorry. Next time, I'll slow down as suggested but geez, when you're in a panic, you flee!!!

[latelatebloomer]

I'm a lone rider with a love for lonely backroads. I don't worry alot about security, but I do vary my routes and ride times just in case (a habit from when when I was a teen and was stalked by phone for a couple years) and I listen to my gut. There is a lovely, lovely private road around the corner - it was my favorite walk when I had Reba, my german shepherd. It has the most lovely meadows and woods in which angora sheep (with long curly horns) run all wild-looking. There are only 2 houses in 2 miles, and they'e only part-time residences for the wealthy set. A truly gorgeous, silent place. So one day, I was walking by myself and a van passed me. Kept on going with incident, but suddenly all the hairs on my body raised up, and I had the thought "if something happens here, no one would even hear me scream." That's the last time I've been on that road by myself, much as I loved it. I try not to be foolish, but I don't want to live scared, either. Truth is, I go lot of places where no one would hear me scream, but I don't have that warning thought. I stay vigilant, enjoy myself, and listen to my gut.

[RoadRaven]

Corsair grabbing her water bottle and facing them is good advice if you have no chance to get away.

Once you are facing it/them, keep facing them, do not turn your back - if there is more than one and they separate from each other, then make sure you have something at your back - even if is just your bike.

The water bottle is a good idea cause if it charges at you, don't throw it, offer the water bottle and dont let go, while the dog has a hold of the bottle, it cant bite you

Wishing you all dog-free roads
RR

[Raindrop]

As far as being chased by dogs...I've found if I squeeze my water bottle at them...it's been enough to stop them. Try it, you don't really need chemicals since most dogs are just trying to protect their (supposed) property.


As far as feeling comfortable by myself, I'm 5'1" and not imposing at all, but I stick to main roads (not bike trails) and ride like I'm in charge. Luckily, I don't have a very feminine mode of dressing, so I think I easily pass for a younger guy riding a bike, than a female. Still, I believe in carrying yourself like you're in charge, be aware of what's around you and, if you even feel even slightly threatened...yell. Maybe you'll appear to be a little crazy...but crazy is better than being accosted!