Cyclist Shoved Off Bike Near Waterfront, Pulls Pepper Spray On Assailant

[channlluv]

But he knew the assailant, so he can tell the police where to find the guy, yes? This doesn't sound like a random assault. If he knew him, the assailant probably had some kind of beef with the cyclist and was acting out of anger.

Who carries pepper spray on their bike? Is that even allowed? I used to carry it long, long ago, but I went to visit the Supreme Court in session, and it was confiscated by their security guards.

Roxy

[pumpkinpony]

I carry pepper spray when I ride alone. It is allowed, but only in small quantities here in CA. And you can only use it when necessary; if you spray someone who is not a 'valid' threat you can be arrested. At least that is what I have been told.

[channlluv]

See, now that makes sense. The security guards told me it was considered a concealed weapon in DC. I had no idea.

I don't carry anything like that when I'm riding. There's no room for it in my tool bag.

Roxy

[shootingstar]

amazing about pepper spray restrictions in various parts of U.S....when gun control/allowance is different.

I'm not sure what it is for Canada on pepper spray. But because its aeorosal can, maybe that alone would have restrictions..

[jessmarimba]

I took a rape aggression defense class in college, and one of the things they taught us is that people who use pepper spray without training are statistically just as likely to spray themselves as their opponent (as this guy proved). We had an entire class dedicated to learning how to spray people effectively using silly string instead. I have a really funny picture of the cop who taught the class covered head-to-toe with the stuff at the end.

[Possegal]

I'm not sure what it is for Canada on pepper spray. But because its aeorosal can, maybe that alone would have restrictions..

I don't know either, but I do know that on more than one occasion I have been asked when crossing the border into Canada if I have any weapons with me and they include pepper spray in the list they rattle off.

[Catrin]

That stuff doesn't necessarily work anyway - don't ask me how I know

[soprano]

I carry pepper spray whenever I'm riding in an area where stray dogs are a concern. I thought that this was fairly common among cyclists It certainly works well on German Shepherds. I wouldn't pull it out on an attacker; it would likely only aggravate the situation.