Is there a way to confirm this?

[Trek420]

I agree that at any intersection that you feel iffy about, don't stick around waiting for a light .... go.

If it feels weird, maybe it is.

If you're pulled over by the cops they will understand and yes, better a ticket than remain in what you intuit is a vulnerable situation.

Your best defense is that small voice that says "go".

Listen

I don't favor debate of what to carry where when for many reasons. I don't know what they have, I don't know what they know. I'm sometimes asked "have you ever used it?" meaning Aikido training. The couple'a times I've ended up "using it" my attackers apologized From talking to other Aikidoists this seems quite common. Guess the perp did not think I train.

Surprise Surprise I've really gotta work on that vicious East Bay Don't Mess With Me look

There is a bike/ped freeway overpass on my commute that is very isolated. I've been trying to get it signed so I'll have some company on it

The reason I may sometimes have a tiny knife when I'm there is I'm reasonably sure that if I had to I could draw and use it before they knew. I'm reasonably confident that if a perp got my weapon I know what to do.

But I never want to draw it, never want to use it except to open a Luna Bar wrapper which is about what it's good for.

The fight we avoid, never starts or you're able to just up and leave is the one you win. Asked why we don't use kicks in Aikido I say "because we like to run away" or walk or ride in my Arthritic case.

I take very seriously the words of Hans Goto Sensei, who I've trained with. He said something along the lines of when we're doing tanto (knife) training that "You first must accept and expect that you are about to get very badly hurt, maybe mortally injured." With this technique and that maybe you can survive, maybe he gets hurt worse, maybe you win ...

Do as I say, not as I do. I carry but do not recommend anyone do so.

Ride safe, be aware and alert, use your judgement and intuition, have fun .... just get out and ride.