Quote Originally Posted by Dianyla View Post
As much as I try to maintain a gender-balanced view of life in general, the fact is that a very large percentage of violent crimes are committed by men against women. Women are more perceptive of risk because more risk exists. So many times I've tried to talk myself out of feeling threatened by a situation, telling myself "I'm sure it's nothing" or "I'm sure he's just trying to be nice". But now I know it's better to listen to that gut feeling and use it to motivate you to change the situation somehow.

One thing that you could say to a guy like this is to just bluntly tell him to stop drafting your wheel. This approach gives him the benefit of the doubt that his real intention was merely to draft behind you so you aren't being completely insulting. And even if it is a little rude, it's better to be rude to someone who's pushing your creep button than to end up raped or dead.

One of the tips that are given to women is this. Most rapists or attackers will not attack a woman that looks like or acts like she will fight or make noise or whatever. I believe in this and if someone was making me uncomfortable on my wheel, I would look them in the eye as I was riding along and tell them to go ride by themselves that I do not want company.