Mace PepperGun, vs spray or gel...

[Trek420]

When police arrive they might not inquire first if it's a toy. "Is this a toy? Or do we just shoot you?"

If used in self defense situation the perp might see your Peppergun, have a real gun ... and then it's down to who's fastest on the draw and the best shot. Self defense the situational stuff "if he does this I ... but if he does that I ... but if ..." never works. There's always someone faster, stronger, longer reach, more training, just gets a lucky punch ... than you.

There are some general principles that we all can learn but stuff that needs a Powerpoint flow chart of "this is stored there but if that happens then ...." not gonna work.

I don't carry weapons, have no plan to do so. Well ... there is one section of my commute, a bike/ped overpass I used to keep a small and I mean tiny pocket knife inside the back of my left glove.

One of the good things about the gas price increase is now ... that's no longer deserted there are other bike commuters on it. We even got it cleaned!!!

Trust your instincts and your gut, if a situation, place, person feels bad .... leave. I can understand if you ride, hike or work where there are bears etc. But even most bears will leave you alone if you make enough noise I think.

When it comes to people it's better to leave for no explicable reason than stay thinking "well I have ____ somewhere in my zippered jersey pocket"

Or take a self defense class. Here one goes on in my front yard