Security

[bikerchick68]

I do carry pepper spray... but also remember for dogs, yell NO and grab your water bottle and spray them! It can startle them enough to slow them down or make them stop... there are no guarantees but at least that's something you have with you when riding that can be used! Also, if you think fast, and they get close... whack 'em with your bike pump!

I've been chased 4 times by dogs... 3 of those times in the same area. I still ride there but now I have the water and/or pepper spray out... I've begun reporting loose dogs that chase me to animal control as well...

nanci... I remember you were feeling very violated by all the unsafe stuff going on... have you considered taking a self defense course? Sometimes that alone can at least make you feel like you have a fighting chance should something happen...

[CorsairMac]

my pepper spray story and why I don't carry it anymore:

My ex insisted I carry pepper spray on the bike in case of dogs. So I'm riding alone one day and started climbing a long, steep roller type hill and 2 big dogs - think Rotts - come out after me. There is no way I can sprint up that hill but I have the pepper spray in my jersey pocket within easy reach. I reach in my pocket and grab that pepper spray and pull it out all ready to shoot those dogs and watch the spray cap come flying off the canister and go sailing off into the bushes on the side of the road. OK....now I"m mad at the pepper spray, mad at the ex, mad at the long, steep hill, and mad at those dogs so I turned and yelled as loud as I could at those dogs. I told them GO HOME and LEAVE ME ALONE!!! Both dogs stopped and looked at me like and turned and high tailed it home.
Dogs see anything "fleeing" as prey so now I just slow waaaaaaaay down, grab my water bottle, and yell at the dog. I also make sure I yell really loud at the houses in the area to come and get their dog. Even if the owners aren't home, the neighbours usually are and will come out and call the dog off. So far, most dogs go back home when you stop and yell at them.

[Yasmin]

my pepper spray story and why I don't carry it anymore:

My ex insisted I carry pepper spray on the bike in case of dogs. So I'm riding alone one day and started climbing a long, steep roller type hill and 2 big dogs - think Rotts - come out after me. There is no way I can sprint up that hill but I have the pepper spray in my jersey pocket within easy reach. I reach in my pocket and grab that pepper spray and pull it out all ready to shoot those dogs and watch the spray cap come flying off the canister and go sailing off into the bushes on the side of the road. OK....now I"m mad at the pepper spray, mad at the ex, mad at the long, steep hill, and mad at those dogs so I turned and yelled as loud as I could at those dogs. I told them GO HOME and LEAVE ME ALONE!!! Both dogs stopped and looked at me like and turned and high tailed it home.
Dogs see anything "fleeing" as prey so now I just slow waaaaaaaay down, grab my water bottle, and yell at the dog. I also make sure I yell really loud at the houses in the area to come and get their dog. Even if the owners aren't home, the neighbours usually are and will come out and call the dog off. So far, most dogs go back home when you stop and yell at them.

Hi all.
Yes, my mum used to breed dogs. Apparently standing still & letting them inspect you is what you're meant to do. Easier said than done! 2 dogs together usually means they are "egging" each other on. One dog is the leader, the other the follower. To happen upon 2 nasty character dogs is rare, but depends on how they've been reared. Yelling & showing dominance (as demonstrated by CorsairMac) usually works, but if you're scared it's the last thing you feel like doing.VERY sorry to hear of your turmoil Nanci. I know I've rambled, but hope something helps. Regards, Yasmin.