I think you gotta live your life. But taking precautions make sense. Yes, cell phone. Tell people where you are gonna be. Great idea about the neon vest if you are in the road. And riding safely, wearing a helmet, all that stuff is important. Do your part in keeping yourself whole and safe.

I carry mace for the people dangers. I have for decades. I keep it where I can grab it and not search around for it. If I'm out alone, day or night, I can reach it in about 1 second. When I get spooked, it's in my hand.