Security

[SouthernBelle]

I've had friends express concern about me riding out in the boonies by myself. I've never felt afraid.

But that being said, does anybody carry anything for protection? I've thought about pepper spray. In fact, I have access to some. But unless it can be mounted where you can grab and spray it wouldn't be much good. Plus there is the blow-back factor. Right now, I would rely upon my relatively harmless dog spray.

[mimitabby]

the only security measures i have are vigilance and common sense.

I was thinking about the thread about the sniper shooting a bicyclist last night and the suggestion that they carry guns. If a sniper shoots you,
your gun is just one more hard heavy thing that's going to hurt when you land on it.
Guns might be useful in some situations, but while you are biking, if someone hiding in the bushes decides to shoot you; YOUR gun isn't going to help you much unless you have it mounted on your handlebars.

We used to carry rocks when riding through doggie territory but haven't had that problem much for a while.

[SouthernBelle]

True. Most of my concern is out of my friends' concern. But the woman in Smyrna was riding a route she had apparently ridden many times.

You just can't account for psychos.

ETA: Absolutely no plans to carry firearms here.

[Geonz]

I carry pepper spray in case of dogs, though it made me feel a little more secure one evening when the occupants of a car seemed to be considering less than pleasant interactions with me at an intersection through the window. (Our paths ended up not crossing.)

[Bikingmomof3]

I am just filled with questions today. Where does one obtain pepper spray? Or is there a dog repellent? I live in an area filled with big dogs. Pepper spray is for strangers-does it work as well on dogs? Fireams for me are absolutely out of the question. I am even leary about pepper spray.

[Grog]

Vigilance, common sense, as Mimitabby said, and, I would add, confidence and assertiveness.

This applies more to walking than cycling, but I always walk with a purpose, looking ahead, back straight and proud shoulders. Even when I am lost in a foreign city where I don't know the language or in a shady part of a strange town. I don't want to be in a situation where someone feels justified to offer me help; however I will go get help myself before it's too late (and will make sure I am never in a situation where I am vulnerable to good samaritans, like I will always have the capacity to fix my own flats).

If someone talks to me, I always talk back with a confident voice or if I choose to ignore this person (which I wouldn't do except in specific circumstances I think), I do it with pride and confidence, too. Smiling (rather than being snotty/*****y) facilitates firmness and assertiveness and fends off many problems. And I keep going at my purpose (i.e. keep walking), not getting distracted and staying aware of my body, belongings and surroundings.

It might be by sheer chance that I never had problems, but I have put myself in what others would consider potentially dangerous situations in the past (like walking out in a strange city by myself in the middle of the night), have encountered shady strangers and had conversations with some of them, and have always courteously walked out of every situations. No physical constraints were ever applied to me. This, again, could be sheer luck. But I tend to believe that if I don't look and act like a prey (or, worse, an easy prey), I will not be picked by predators.

So if a sniper wants to shoot me off my bike while I ride of course that might happen. But I won't stop riding (or doing anything else, for that matter) for potential predators out there.

[Grog]

p.s. I wouldn't want to use pepper spray. It could very easily be snatched from me and used against me. And, of course, firearms are absolutely out of question.

[chickwhorips]

i do the same as grog. make myself seem as confident as possible. i make it seem is someone is going to try to attack me, its going to be the last thing they wish they did.

i've gotten a few of those emails about what to do in certain situations. think for the most part they are good advice. not sure if you've ever gotten one of those.

not sure about pepper spray. i know people carry it up here for bears, but its hard because you have to take in account of the wind. if your in the wrong wind direction your going to get sprayed. also, if you don't spray and get out of there, you still get some in your lungs. i remember being around where someone was peper sprayed and i had a hard time breathing and i was quite a distance off.

with weapons, thats another story. you have to have a special permit (i know in phoenix anyhow) to have a concealed weapon. i'd be afraid of someone turning on me and using it. though i do carry a hand gun and a radio (no cell phones here) but that's incase of a bear, not person. odds of seeing another person are slim to none on most days.