Security

[bluerider]

I believe in riding early in the morning. The pathologicals are less likely to be out and about and those who *are* tend to be sporty types (runners, bikers,etc)

I agree with this one! On weekdays during the summer I can only ride after work but on the weekends I ride early morning and find that crazies aren't up yet.

As for feeling safe, I am a young female rider who is 5'2 and small too. Outside of carrying my cell, I try not to think about it. I tuck my ponytail but I still wear my form-fitted jerseys and shorts as it is my right to do so. I don't how to describe it but I try to convey confidence through my body language and always have an idea of where I'm going or what I'm doing. I guess it's like that self defence technique where if you are walking alone on a street, you have to assert yourself and act like you know where you are going even if you don't. Don't look act vulnerable and it hopefully deters potential attacks but also mentally makes you stronger.

Harder on a bike but I have that mentality that you can't mess me and it carries through to my body language on the bike. I don't generally think about that kind of stuff when I am riding but I trust my instinct, if I sense a car parked up front doesn't look cool, I turn around. Eye contact is huge. Stare them down if you've seen the same truck pull by twice. I do that and actually take my shades off and do a stare down.

Mostly I try to stick to routes that I know are usually routined by other roadies too.

It depresses me to know that women have to think about this but just be aware and never doubt your instincts.

As for dogs, I've only been chased by one once and it was a Great Dane so I thought it was a horse at first running along. I thought wheee, this is like the TdF when the horsies run alongside until I heard it bark. I pedalled like I stole something and when the owner finally came out to call his beast (I mean this in nicest way), he waved and yelled sorry. Next time, I'll slow down as suggested but geez, when you're in a panic, you flee!!!

[latelatebloomer]

I'm a lone rider with a love for lonely backroads. I don't worry alot about security, but I do vary my routes and ride times just in case (a habit from when when I was a teen and was stalked by phone for a couple years) and I listen to my gut. There is a lovely, lovely private road around the corner - it was my favorite walk when I had Reba, my german shepherd. It has the most lovely meadows and woods in which angora sheep (with long curly horns) run all wild-looking. There are only 2 houses in 2 miles, and they'e only part-time residences for the wealthy set. A truly gorgeous, silent place. So one day, I was walking by myself and a van passed me. Kept on going with incident, but suddenly all the hairs on my body raised up, and I had the thought "if something happens here, no one would even hear me scream." That's the last time I've been on that road by myself, much as I loved it. I try not to be foolish, but I don't want to live scared, either. Truth is, I go lot of places where no one would hear me scream, but I don't have that warning thought. I stay vigilant, enjoy myself, and listen to my gut.

[RoadRaven]

Corsair grabbing her water bottle and facing them is good advice if you have no chance to get away.

Once you are facing it/them, keep facing them, do not turn your back - if there is more than one and they separate from each other, then make sure you have something at your back - even if is just your bike.

The water bottle is a good idea cause if it charges at you, don't throw it, offer the water bottle and dont let go, while the dog has a hold of the bottle, it cant bite you

Wishing you all dog-free roads
RR

[Raindrop]

As far as being chased by dogs...I've found if I squeeze my water bottle at them...it's been enough to stop them. Try it, you don't really need chemicals since most dogs are just trying to protect their (supposed) property.


As far as feeling comfortable by myself, I'm 5'1" and not imposing at all, but I stick to main roads (not bike trails) and ride like I'm in charge. Luckily, I don't have a very feminine mode of dressing, so I think I easily pass for a younger guy riding a bike, than a female. Still, I believe in carrying yourself like you're in charge, be aware of what's around you and, if you even feel even slightly threatened...yell. Maybe you'll appear to be a little crazy...but crazy is better than being accosted!