My DH's level of concern is at a comfortable level for me. We have been together long enough that I think he has gotten it through his head that I am going to do what I want no matter how much he badgers me. If he is home before I leave for a ride, he just asks which direction I'm headed so he will know where to search if I don't come back.

I think what we all need to think about is what can we do to make ourselves less of a target. I know that I WILL NOT let the rapist or murderer win -- they won't scare me into staying in my house. I am going to go about my life as a confident, independent woman. I know there are risks involved, but I will arm myself with whatever information/strengths I think are necessary to deal with those.

I try to vary my routes. Becoming too predictable in your routine is a good way to become a target. I have a 'south route,' an east route,' and a 'north route' that I take when I leave my house. I try not to do the same one two days in a row and not follow the same pattern every time. So if a guy is watching me on road X, he may see me every third day or every fifth day. He just never knows when I will show up.

I also always scan my surroundings. Don't stare at the road in front of you and block out everything else that is going on around you. Is there a pick-up, car, or work truck on the side of the road? What is he doing? I try to conserve my energy as I approach and then veer way into the lane to go around him (way more than a door's width) and go into a sprint as I pass just in case this guy is lying in wait for me.

If you do pass someone else on the road, make sure you make eye contact with them. That let's them know you are a very observant person and are aware of your surroundings. If they think you might be able to pick them out of a line-up, they might move on.

I don't have mace on my bike. I figure I probably won't have time to use it if I need it. But I do carry my cell phone on my body. So hopefully if I have an accident and get thrown from my bike, my phone will go wherever I go and I can call for help.