When Dogs Run Loose

[aicabsolut]

I had a scary encounter with a dog who was chasing me (on his side of his fence, which he could have easily gone under), and I was starting up a hill, so I surely wouldn't have been able to outrun him. Luckily, he stayed on his side of the fence.

I almost got taken out by the happiest lab the next day. There was a family out all on their bikes with their dog. Dog clearly likes people on bikes. Dog trotted up to me so happy to be my friend and to cross right in front of my front tire a few times. I slowed down a lot, but was still nearly tripped. Then its mom called it over to her. Whew. How would I explain road rash in that situation? The dog liked me so much it tried to kill me?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

TsPoet, thanks for your reply- I think we agree with each other -for the most part.

[liberty]

MD- I can SOOO understand where you are coming from. Been there. Still there. Needless to say, I now have Animal Control's phone number in my cell phone. If a dog comes after me in the street, AC will get a call. Enough calls from enough cyclists enough times and they might end up doing something... Since my wreck with the dog ("Hi, and dogs???" thread), I've begun to stay away from certain routes that are more risky. Means many times I end up driving places to go riding. The owners of the dogs that attacked me have agreed to tie up their dogs when I am riding.

Dogs, like cars, are one of the risks of cycling. But my general pattern for dealing with dogs now is to just plain stop the bike and put the bike between me and the dog. It is extremely difficult to defend yourself while on a bike. And this makes it obvious to everyone around you that something is going on. The dog can't chase you out into the street either. Just be aware that more than likely someone will have to come out and rescue you. And if the dog won't let you move away, it is a great time to call animal control or the cops, or yell loudly for the owners or neighbors. This is a great time to tell the owners about all the cyclists you know who have been attacked by unleashed dogs, and remind them of the liability involved for the owners...

Best case scenario for stopping, you make it away from the dogs ok. Worst case: damage to you, the bike... If you are attacked, take photos then and there, call the cops, and ALWAYS get the home owner's insurance information while there in front of the cop. Don't tell them you are sorry. Call animal control. Just know that if a dog comes after you and causes a wreck or accident, without you initiating the incident or antagonizing the dog, it is considered a dog attack. Almost better if the dog does bite you, because law enforcement is more aggressive with things. Animal control is too. Sorry to say that. Not to say that stopping the bike is an effort to tempt the dog to bite you. But if he is going to chase you, he will more than likely run in front of you before you can stop. If he is going to bite you, he will bite you whether you are on the bike or not. You have a better chance of being physically safe if the bike is between you and the dog. Might cost you a good ride, but I think in the long run it will be better. That is just my two cents...