Riding Solo - staying safe

[shootingstar]

The latest I've cycled at night was around midnight which was pretty rare for me.

But then again, the local cycling group here, goes out for casual bike rides that end at midnight at least once a month....if this gives anyone any idea in our city...of 1 million people.

There are rural areas outside of our city, where one would worry more about bears and deer ..than human beings on trails or road. However I agree, that precautions for personal safety off and on bike are always necessary.

Note: it's illegal in Canada to have a concealed handgun. It's been like this for ....decades.

[PamNY]

I always ride alone, and while I'm in an urban area, I'm often in areas that are not very populated. Most of the important points have been covered -- letting someone know your route, being aware, etc. I do have pepper spray at times, and I'm honestly not sure if it would ever be useful.

I think trusting your instincts is important. If it doesn't feel right, I'm out of there.

Regarding guns, if you haven't lived in an area where guns are common, you might not realize that for some people, carrying a gun is a routine thing and not necessarily a sign of excessive fear.

[Dog]

I also do most of my riding solo and in rural areas. I let my DH know my route and will send an update if I decide to ride longer than planned. I stay alert and dress conservatively. I have had guys yell at me from motorcycles or vehicles, but I'm used to that from my many years of running and just ignore it. It startles me more than anything. I have done some S24 tours (camping) solo as well and haven't had any issues. I'm planning one for Labor Day weekend.

[grey]

Every cop friend I have has encouraged me to get a concealed carry.
I've been a martial artist off and on for 20 years. I do carry a knife while out riding.

Nobody ever expects to be a victim. You just have to be aware, all the time. I know a lot of people don't like to think that way - to pay attention to what car is behind them, or scan the parking lot the moment they step out of the grocery. Glance under your car as you approach it - not just the back seat. Hold your head up, make sure the guy in the parking lot knows you saw him - and well enough to possibly identify him.

As for where to put the gun on the bike, the 2 former cops I ride with both have them in a small bag up by the handlebar. Easy to reach.

I read the story on Mickey. So sad. She fought really well - if she had a gun, she might be alive yet today. Or the guy could have taken it and she'd still be dead. Hard to say.

Be careful, loves.

[missjean]

Much of my riding is done solo, both mtb & road and I can't think of a time that I felt threatened - opps, take that back - years ago I was mtb riding in the woods about 2 miles from my house and as I rode into a clearing there was a young guy firing a big hand gun into pile of logs. I stopped, he stopped, lowered the gun, and I continued on. That made be a bit uneasy.

A number of women I have talked to about riding over the years have worried about their safety and are surprised that I don't mind riding alone. I've sometimes thought that maybe it has something to do with physical size. At
5' 8" and 160, I'm no little bitty thing. I might think differently if I was 5' & 95lbs. But then again, my friend who rode much of the Continental Divide solo is only 5' 3" and about 125lbs.

Maybe what it gets down to is the illusion of control, and proper risk assessment. The more in control you feel, the more safe you feel. The most common example used is probably flying in an airplane vs. driving your car. Driving your car is one of the most dangerous things you can do, but you are in complete control vs. flying, which is one of the most safe means of transportation, but so many people are terrified of flying, probably because it is completely out of their control.
And, risk assessment - maybe assault is a major problem in the area where you live, and then taking sensible precautions is good. But, so often we are frightened by the relentless pounding in the media of how we live in "dangerous times" (like life for humans has not always been dangerous ) and that clouds our thinking.
If we really stopped and thought about all that could go wrong with anything we do, we would never get out of bed!


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