I am sorry to hear that - hope it does not shake your confidence in riding alone. I am riding alone now too at times and I have added Mace to my bike. I have it attached to the handlebar stem - anyone looking at my bike sees it so hopefully it will send a message. Always be aware of your surroundings and listen to that little inner voice. I try and take well-lit routes at dark and during the day I pass by a very busy school so there are always crossing guards, etc. there. I also make sure that my cell phone is within easy reach while riding and my DH knows what time I leave and I call him to let him know I am on my way back home.