Safety and Cycling Shoes

[Dianyla]

Seems like a viable compromise might be to switch to MTB shoes and pedals. MTB shoes are generally much more "walkable" than road bike shoes.

I've always preferred mt. bike specific bike shoes for safety reasons. Forget getting assaulted or having to walk 3 miles from a flat. I'm more worried about slipping and breaking my neck going down a flight of stairs!

[mimitabby]

another roadie here that wouldn't be caught dead in shoes i can't walk in.
I use MTB shoes.
and I won't wear high heeled shoes either!!

be prepared!

[Tater]

another roadie here that wouldn't be caught dead in shoes i can't walk in.
I use MTB shoes.
and I won't wear high heeled shoes either!!

be prepared!

Amen, Sister!! I wholeheartedly agree!

[Kano]

Shoes we can't walk in, no matter what their design purpose -- bike shoes, work shoes, whatever, are only good for when there's no chance of needing to walk.

Hmmm, I guess there's no need to buy the shoes we can't walk in!



Live in fear of something that might happen? Not a good idea. I refuse to do it. On the other hand, I'm not going to live stupid either, except on that GREAT straight downhill run on the way into town from my house, and that other EXCELLENT straight downhill run on Pleasant Valley road (my re-ward for that wicked climb!)

Karen in Boise

[Happy_Wheels!]

amithereyet!

Honey!

Do not live your life in fear!

Instead live with awareness and sensitivity!

Refuse to be afraid!

And make your next post an intro of yourself!

Negativity leaves us wondering who the true you is!

Luv,
Happy_Wheels!

[redrhodie]

Not that out running is a bad idea, but it's not always possible to do so. There are self defense classes designed for women that teach you what to do when you're not going to out-run the bad guy, like when you're asleep in you bed, and he's on top of you. Sorry to be scary, but it happens. You can be attacked anywhere.

I went to a "Model Mugging" demontration years ago in NYC. I'm not even sure if they're still in business. I didn't take the class, but I learned so much from just the demonstration, things I still remember when a creepy guy is walking too close behind me on a desolate street. I don't feel helpless. I know there are things I can do to try to stop an attack, and good ways to fight (dirty!) if I have to.

If you're afraid of being attacked, I recommend that you take a self defense class. It's really empowering.

[DDH]

Not that out running is a bad idea, but it's not always possible to do so. There are self defense classes designed for women that teach you what to do when you're not going to out-run the bad guy, like when you're asleep in you bed, and he's on top of you. Sorry to be scary, but it happens. You can be attacked anywhere.

I went to a "Model Mugging" demontration years ago in NYC. I'm not even sure if they're still in business. I didn't take the class, but I learned so much from just the demonstration, things I still remember when a creepy guy is walking too close behind me on a desolate street. I don't feel helpless. I know there are things I can do to try to stop an attack, and good ways to fight (dirty!) if I have to.

If you're afraid of being attacked, I recommend that you take a self defense class. It's really empowering.

This was going to be my suggestion. Take a self defense class or learn a martial art. It's always better to try to get away and that is what most teach, but you may need to be able to disable the person enough to get away. My son is in what is called American Ninjitsu and this is mostly self defense moves to enable you to get away from your attacker first. If this is not possible then you imobilize them.
This not only makes you safer but also boost your confidence tremendously.
Don't let the criminals win.

[7rider]

I one time saw a guy jogging down the side of the road, with his road bike beside him. He was in his stocking feet (i.e., wearing only socks and holding his shoes in his hand). I slowed (I was on my bike) to offer assistance. He declined and said he flatted, had no tube, and was on his way home. He had called his son, who was en route to pick him up, he was just trying to make use of his wait time.
So...if attacked, how quickly can you kick off your shoes? I imagine (although perhaps I'd have other things on my mind at the time) that I'd try to ditch my shoes and run in my socks, if I couldn't out-ride the guy to begin with. I don't really like my shoes, anyway!