What would you have done--creepy follower (long)

[skinimini]

This afternoon, I decided to do a short recovery ride just in the area around my neighborhood. I live in suburban Atlanta, a place where there are many cyclists, walkers, children, dogs, etc. I was traveling on a moderately busy two-lane road when I noticed a beat up van behind me. He was following just behind me for a little while. When the traffic in the other lane cleared, I motioned for him to go around. Nothing doing. Finally about 1/3 of a mile down, he turned off into a church parking lot. Another half mile or so, I turned onto a less busy, neighborhood road. A few minutes later, he was behind me again. I was really starting to feel uneasy, and I was about 3/4 mile from any high traffic area. So, I turned onto a cul-de-sac street where one of my friends lives, hoping she would be home. He followed me. (I know this was probably a big mistake). I immediately went to the back of her house as if I lived there. He made a turn in the cul-de-sac. Of course my friend was not home, so I waited about 5 minutes and ventured back out. About half way down the street, this guy was parked on the side of the road. I was terrified, so I went back to my friend's house. I called my husband first to come get me, then 911. Of course, by the time my husband got there (which wasn't long), this guy was gone.

Should I have ridden on to get to a busier area? This is an area that I would never have hesitated to walk or ride--lots of nice houses and generally people out and about. However, today this road was absolutely deserted. DH says I should have called 911 immediately. In retrospect, I agree, but I really didn't know this was going to get so creepy. I really feel as if I weren't on guard and generally feel like an idiot. Now my husband is worried about me riding alone, even on my neighborhood streets.

What would you have done differently?

[OakLeaf]

Personally, I can't dial a phone and ride at the same time. I absolutely would not have got off my bike. Without knowing more about the neighborhood, I can't say what I might have done. But getting to a busier area would've been high on the list.

That said, I had a nearly identical experience years ago - except that it was before dawn, before cell phones, and I was running, so my range and speed were much more limited. I too was terrified. Until I noticed that the van was delivering newspapers.

[Biciclista]

I think you did your best. Next time get his license plate number if you can.
Stop, turn around (so you can see his plates) and call 911.
that's what I'd do. someone else probably has better advice for you.

[sundial]

What would you have done differently?

I would have produced a Magnum 57 from my skort.

[papaver]

I was in the same situation when I was 14 or so. A man was following me with his car for at least 15 mins (which seemed like ages). The first house I saw I acted like it was 'mine'. I opened the gate, took my bike and parked it against the house and walked around the house. I waited for a good 15 mins and the guy was gone.

that was ofcourse long before cellphones excisted.

[Mr. Bloom]

I don't think there is an absolute right or wrong...but I think you did well under the circumstances.

I encourage you to contact your friend and let her know...this guy followed you to her house and may be have that house on a radar now.

[skinimini]

I encourage you to contact your friend and let her know...this guy followed you to her house and may be have that house on a radar now.

You're absolutely right about that. I certainly didn't think about that issue.

My husband continues to think I wasn't vigilant enough, and he may be right. I'll certainly be from now on.

I'm also really ticked off that jerk was able to ruin my afternoon.

[kermit]

First off, congrats on your observation skills. Thats 99% off getting a**holes like this guy off the street and keeping yourself safe. Don't let this guy chase you out of your riding spot. A license plate number would have been a huge help to the police. I hope they look for him. If this ever happens again, make no secret of the fact that YOU see him. If you have a camera on your phone, take a photo of him. Most guys are trying to act tough in the safety of their car and want to try to make you uncomfortable. I would let your friends in the area know about the car. Find a friend to ride with for a while if you are feeling uneasy. It's no fun to be looking over your shoulder all day.

[Tokie]

I can ride and dial 911 - or at least ride and pretend to dial 911 - and just pulling out a cell phone could cause the creep to look for another victim. I love bike jersey pockets - so handy - no zippers, no fumbling, the phone is always in it's own pocket so I know how to get it, and also know I won't lose it getting out a snack, etcl I hate seeing vans parked on the roadside of my favorite climb. the vehicle of choice for kidnapping. Scary! Tokie

[PamNY]

I think you did well -- first to notice the possible stalker, and second to take action. It's not easy to make a perfect decision in the heat of the moment, so I wouldn't second-guess myself if I were you.

It's good that you posted here because it helps the rest of us think through what we would do, and to be more prepared if something bad happens.

Pam

[Trek420]

Speaking of 911 for most of us if you dial 911 from a cell phone you get highway patrol. Then a transfer or two or three later you get your local police, fire, medical.

These dispatchers do a tremendous job but for most of us while I hope we never ever need it pleeeeeeease put the local pots (that's plain ol' telephone service) numbers for police, fire and medical in your cell for where you live, work and ride.

Those of you with only a cell and no land line this is doubly important.

[LoriO]

As someone who as worked in law enforcement (911 dispatcher for over 20 years) I have this to offer. First off, try and ride to the most populated area you can find. The more people around the better! Call 911 as soon as you possibly can, if you can get a plate, great, if not don't put yourself in jeopardy to get it. Just try and give us the best description of the veh and/or person that you can. Make note of anything that may stand out, a dent, bumper sticker, anything!!! Try and stay on the line with 911 so you can give additional information in case the vehicle/person starts to leave the area, let us know direction of travel, etc.

As for where your cell phone 911 call gets routed to, that is going to vary from state to state and where the designated call taker center for that area is. Here in CT, 911 calls get routed to the 911 center that is closest to the cell phone tower that picks up the call, and as a backup in case of a routing glitch it will go to the nearest state police barracks and then routed to the correct PD.

[LoriO]

just want to add, that Treks advise about entering the routine number for your PD in your cell phone is a very good one! There have been a few times when I have had to call something in while driving and while it isn't a 911 emergency is something that should be reported so I can just flip to my address book and press dial.

I have 3 towns that I drive through back and forth to work every day and I have each of those numbers in my phone and have had occasion to use each one at least once to report stuff

[KathiCville]

Great thread...I ride alone most of the time, and the tips offered above are ones that I'll definitely incorporate into my riding habits from now on. I'm usually focused on cars/trucks purely from the potential collision standpoint. Thank you for making me aware of other possible dangers, too!