Wow. Touchy Subject. I try to limit my riding to before 10 p.m. I was out at that time a couple of weeks ago and my "hood" was scary to say the least. I was more afraid of the people than the cars AND I saw more people in the streets than cars. That said, I don't use guns. I would just pedal faster if I was concerned. I keep my cell and road ID on me too, at all times I am riding.