How do you protect yourself?

[AllezGirl]

I now will put my name and address on stuff, because I don't carry ID...never actually thought about it since I bike locally. But, have to do it now. Great suggestion

I made photocopys of my ID and health insurance card and keep one in the seat wedge on each of my bikes.

[Trekhawk]

[QUOTE AllezGirl]I now will put my name and address on stuff, because I don't carry ID...never actually thought about it since I bike locally. But, have to do it now. Great suggestion

I made photocopys of my ID and health insurance card and keep one in the seat wedge on each of my bikes.[/QUOTE]

AllezGirl - I have just recently received my RoadID in the mail and it is a great way to carry all your details on you. I have the one that goes around your neck on a chain but there are many other versions. Great idea if you happen to become separated from your bike and your photocopied ID.

[AllezGirl]

I just saw their website the other day and plan to order one too! Great product!

[Aint Doody]

Well, y'all might not believe this one, but I was accosted by a man in one of those motorized wheelchairs! I was riding down a 2-lane, one-way street in our small town 2 blocks from Main St. It was maybe 4 pm. This fellow in his wheelchair was going the wrong way on the street in the street--not on the sidewalk. When he saw me, he made a diagonal line across the street right toward me with a pretty definite leer and made some crack like "Hey, baby." Fortunately those contraptions aren't known for speed. As there was no traffic, I outmanuevered him. I kept wondering what he would have done if he'd "gotten" me. I mean, the man apparently couldn't walk! I'd have probably been thrown in jail if I'd have pepper sprayed him! What's next???

[crazycanuck]

When i go for my morning rides (almost dawn but not quite) I put my cell phone and my wallet in my camelback so if i do end up in an awkward sit at least i can ring my other half or someone can figure out who i am if i'm knocked off my bike. Ian knows when i'm going biking but i feel safe out there.

The good thing about my bike rides is they're along the train lines and have memorized the routes I take and any wierd areas to avoid. I haven't come accross any idiots on the bike paths in perth yet!

One more thing. If you have or want to put an emergency contact, put the person's name as "George-ICE(in case of emergency)".

c

[CorsairMac]

another lesson I learned while running: vary your route. Don't follow the same path/direction/time every time you go out. If someone has evil intentions they'll learn your route and then find the spot to "lay in wait" as it were. Sometimes it may be something as simple as riding your route backwards several days a week or leaving 5 mins earlier/10 mins later etc.

[Sleek]

I'm concerned about the responses that indicate they feel that having a cell phone or showing a pepper spray canister will help. I wouldn't like to rely on that myself. In fact, with pepper spray, you run the risk of their taking it from you and using it on you. Better just to spray them and ask questions later, imo. Wonder if we could come up with a pepper spray canister holder for just under the top tube?

I've carried pepper spray on my keychain for a decade. Never have had to use it, and don't have any bad experiences that lead to it. I just feel it is a world we need to be prepared for these days. Rather than being scared, I'd just say: accept reality and be prepared, keep your eyes open. Stay healthy everyone!

[limewave]

I carry pepper spray and cell phone when I ride alone as well. I also let my husband know exactly what route I'm taking and when I can be expected home.

I had a similar incident last summer when a pickup truck with two creepy guys began to pace me and then immediately sped up as another car came up behind them. Then they turned around and started back towards me. Fortunately there were a few houses set back from the road. I rode up one of the driveways, parked my bike by their door and started taking of my gear, pretending that I lived there. The guys left. I called for back up and a friend came and got me.

The next day I rode down that same street and someone had vandalized the road with very lewed drawings and threats. It probably wasn't connected with the guys in the pick-up, but it added to the creepiness.

[Danariel]

Wow. I live in a pretty good neighborhood, but eventually I know I'll be riding further from home, and perhaps through some deserted and/or less than desirable areas. If I ever feel uncomfortable, rather than letting that put me off what I want to do, I'll get one of the fanny pack holsters for my Glock. I have a carry permit, but I'd make sure to go to the range often if I ever DO start carrying.

I'm prior Military, so I'm pretty comfortable with guns. I haven't read "the other thread" someone else alluded to, so I hope this doesn't rub anyone the wrong way...

The RoadID is a marvelous idea, too. I carry my little ID folder with my driver's license and a $20 in my Wedgie bag under my seat, but if someone takes the bike from me, I'm probably SOL. I do wear my cell phone on my waistband, so at least that's easy to get to.

[go get em]

I to carry pepperspray on my rides. Especially since most of my riding is very remote(one or two cars may pass me) and I never really know where I am going until I get on my bike. I always call a friend or my husband along the way and let them know where I'm at.
The guys I ride with frown upon me when I ride alone in such remote areas, but it is the only place I like to ride.
I to live in North San Diego and know the trail Nicolezoie is talking about. I had a flat on that trail, while riding alone, and I never had changed a tire so fast. I decided I will not ride that one alone.
One time I decided I wanted to climb the back side of Polamar Mountain on my mountain bike, but I didn't want to do it alone. (The only cars we saw were ones that were stolen and dumped).So my husband volunteered to follow me in his truck. (Since he doesn't ride). My kids in tow-
They had fun feeding me M&M's and water along the way.

[RoadRaven]

One more thing. If you have or want to put an emergency contact, put the person's name as "George-ICE(in case of emergency)".

c

NZ has just started a big ICE campaign here - excellent idea... this house has phones and watches with an ICE number programmed in

[JLD]

To add fuel to this--a most despicable crime against a young woman-occured here in Ottawa Ontario Canada two years ago. On a very hot muggy afternoon a young woman went out to ride and was killed by a predator. They haven't got the bastard yet--and this is a huge bone to pick at here in the local cycling community. As a result of this terrible crime--the city now issues free cell phones to riders--loaned for up to a week. There are volunteer bike patrols, too. Many sections of the pathway system here-can be isolated-and obviously-empty of traffic at certain times of the day. The crime against this vibrant young woman--stunned the city--and one of the things I noticed afterwards--were less women riders on the paths. It seems now--matters are returning to better numbers of women riding--however--even 2 weeks ago--there were reports of a look-a-like--if not the same guy--again cruisng in the same spot where the woman was killed. I am certain my local police force are doing the best they can to track and get this creep--but--there is no denying the frustration of the locals--that he hasn't been caught.

[Trekhawk]

[QUOTE=JLD]To add fuel to this--a most despicable crime against a young woman-occured here in Ottawa Ontario Canada two years ago. On a very hot muggy afternoon a young woman went out to ride and was killed by a predator.

Hi JLD - that is terrible. Keep aware and safe wont you.

[JLD]

I cycle alone--bike commute--and am out and about at midnight frequently. I rarely carry ID--never money--don't have a cell phone. BUT--my place of work does know my nightly route--I do pay attention to my surroundings--and there are no short cuts.....This poor woman--was out in Broad daylight--on an isolated wooded section of the eastern path section--when there is poor traffic in that zone. It is completely shocking and despicable--and Everyone wants this bastard caught.

[fasteryet]

a good way to carry small items like a phone or spray is something called a "bento box". It straps to the top tube of your bike, and puts items right in reach. Here is a picture from Amazon, but I got mine (a small one) on eBay.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...80943?v=glance