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I have everyone's trust until they break it. I guess I'm a bit naive. I've never felt the need to ride or run with protection against animals or other people. Until that day comes, I'll continue on empty handed.
posted over 3 years ago
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I would consider carrying, I just don't have a compact piece yet. Drooling over the XD 40 Sub. Maybe one of these days. I commute by bike through some kinda-dicey parts of town depending on where I'm going. My usual route between home and work is never too bad, though.
I'm kind of on the fence on this one, despite loving the second amendment. If you really feel the need to pack heat where you're riding or running, you should probably choose a different route. If you're the kind who carries all the time anyways, then it only seems natural to want to carry while getting your miles in.
posted over 3 years ago
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I live in a suburban area with an increasing amount of crime. This includes, theft, carjackings, robbery, rape, and murder.
I carry daily and my preferred ccw is an XD45c With several rounds of Jacketed Hollow Points (JHP) I also never leave the house without a good flashlight.
I tend to ride late at night or early in the morning so I am on my own. I know what happens in my town late at night, I also know what goes on early when folks are getting ready for work, Riding in the dark through neighborhoods you can and most likely will at some point "sneak" up on certain activity that you do not want to be a part of.posted over 3 years ago | edited over 3 years ago
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just the other day i was wishing i had some sort of protection when i was out running. an odd car was driving behind me slowly and it was almost dusk. i moved over, way off the road but they didn't pass. eventually they drove pass and i barely took a breath until they were out of sight. you just never know! i have yet to get a california gun permit, but i think i will carry knife/mace on the next run. chances that i'll ever need it are slim to none, but i'd rather deal with the inconvenience than wish i had something when the time came.
posted over 3 years ago
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Holy crap. I'm not big on riding but I feel funny just running with my cell phone. I know it's a safety issue though and always take it with me after dark. I can't imagine packing heat on a bike.
I understand that this isn't a debate about gun control/rights, but to me, its a sad sad world when we feel as though we need to resort to carrying guns for our own protection.
posted over 3 years ago
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in reply to what Liz G. said:Holy crap. I'm not big on riding but I feel funny just running with my cell phone. I know it's a safety issue though and always take it with me after dark. I can't imagine packing heat on a bike. I understand that this isn't a debate about gun c... read more
Simply in response to your post, not meant to begin a debate or anything. You are correct. It is sad that we have to feel like we need protection when just "out and about" however if you look back in history, we have never been immune to that feeling. When it wasn't swords and spears it was flintlocks and Bowie knives, then on to modern means of self protection, firearms, OC spray and stun guns.
I think we have been lulled into a mindset that we "have the right" to be safe everywhere. Unfortunately no one guarantees us that but ourselves.posted over 3 years ago
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Bloody hell, can't believe anyone would think about carrying a gun whilst cycling / running!!
I'm Police and I don't cycle with any weapons at all, not even on patrol!
posted over 3 years ago
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Come over to this side of the pond and spend a few days on bike patrol in NYC. It might not make you want to carry a gun while riding, but you'll at least understand why the mere thought may cross our minds on occasion.
posted over 3 years ago
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I have done plenty of running with a weapon in the military and I do not miss it. I also have been on the bike partol with the police department. I personally do not like doing any PT with a weapon however, I do understand the need for it in some parts i believe this is preference. If you are going to carry mace or pepper spray just be mindful that stuff even at law enforcement grade just pisses some people off. Every officer that carries it has to get sprayed where I am at and the stuff Just angers me to the point of incredible hulk rage. So if it does that to a peace loving guy like me imagine what it will do to someone bent on hurting you.
posted over 3 years ago
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in reply to what Kirt B. said:Bloody hell, can't believe anyone would think about carrying a gun whilst cycling / running!! I'm Police and I don't cycle with any weapons at all, not even on patrol!
I started this thread not as a "lets all carry guns" but as a reality that bad things happen when we are alone at dusk or sunrise, or sometimes in broad daylight. Sometimes, it's not even people, it's dogs or other animals. Where my father lives in Colorado, it's somewhat usual for him to wake up and see an elk outside his house, staring into the window a few times a year. At any given time, that thing can rip through the walls and cause all kinds of problems.
Does anyone carry a whistle with them? How many leave home with a cell phone?
posted over 3 years ago
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When I run alone I carry mace, more for dogs than for people though. Of course twice I've forgotten to take it, and both times huge strays came really close to me out of nowhere. I try to choose safe, populated areas to run through. I don't think I'd ever carry a gun though!
posted over 3 years ago | edited over 3 years ago
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It just shows the difference between cultures. Over here isn't not an option since it's actually illegal to carry any sort of 'offensive' weapon. Pepper spray is in fact classed as a firearm and comes under such legislation.
The wildest animal you may come across is a pissed off cat or urban fox.
A whistle would be a good option or a personal attack alarm.
posted over 3 years ago
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I don't have a fundamental problem with the concept, but I know that when i'm running, I don't even like carrying anything larger than my car key. I cannot imagine trying to run while carrying a gun on me, even a lightweight subcompact.
I know some people who bike with a pistol, but I haven't come across the need for it.
posted over 3 years ago
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I carry my cell phone while running (for safety reasons), and if I drive to a course, my keys with the attached whistle stay in my pocket. I probably should get mace (if only for scary dogs), but it's awkward enough carrying something in one hand, much less something in each hand. I've tried the runners version of a fanny pack, but it inevitably bounces against me uncomfortably and I give up...
posted over 3 years ago
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I've always been fortunate to live/ride in areas where I feel very safe. Some my riding is suburban, some is country. I've thought about carrying protection in the past and settled on the notion that if i DID feel the need, it would be pepper spray, or a very sturdy frame pump, rather than my little mini pump.
Besides, I've been working out a lot lately, and am getting huge. No one would want to mess with me- haha!
posted over 3 years ago
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I've never actually contemplated the need for a weapon or personal protective type device while running or cycling. I know of one spot on a trail I like to rid where there are several pitbulls, but they never appear to be aggressive. On my Sunday run, I gave a few moments thought about the deer rut starting, but I figured I wasn't their type.
Since most of my running is at night, I have had the experience of probably startling a few women on their way back to their automobiles. I guess being 6'3'' and 240 lbs I'm not terribly worried about being attacked, but maybe I'll have to start taking Peanut, the 9lb Yorkie terror.
posted over 3 years ago
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I carry a Glock 27 when I am riding and running. I would carry while I was swimming if I could. I hate opportunistic criminals.
posted about 3 years ago
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Where do you people find room to carry these things while running and biking. Shoulder holster or what? Yikes!'
posted about 3 years ago
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Mexican carry? IWB? Camelbak? Pannier? Trunk Bag?
posted about 3 years ago
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Lordy lord, violence solving violence.
posted about 3 years ago
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There's nothing violent about being prepared, and while I don't personally carry a firearm with me (and never have, I don't have my license yet) I don't see why anyone would be vehemently against such preparation. No one's forcing you to carry, but I like it when a person who intends to hurt others has to stop and think that when their gun is drawn, there is a chance at least one person in the room stands ready to defend. In places where concealed-carry is illegal, said assailant will know that 100% of the law-abiding citizens won't be able to do a damn thing to defend themselves. You should be happy that there are still those in this country who bear the responsibility that comes with carrying. I don't know a single person who carries that would hesitate to protect the public as well as themselves.
posted about 3 years ago
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Hey, I like guns. I own one and plan on getting more. I just don't see the need to carry one while running and biking. I guess I live in a safe bubble in Madison, WI. I just never though of brining a gun to a shoe fight.
Another thing that comes to mind and I am truly sorry for generalizing but when I watch (and laugh) at some You Tube videos of guns and gun nuts (field stripping etc) some of the guys are just off their rocker and I picture those bozos as the ones riding their Cervelo with a Desert Eagle in their water bottle cage. After reading this I did a You Tube search for Glock 27 and saw a headless man teaching to field strip it. The idiot had his fingers all over the trigger before telling his faithful viewers to be sure it was unloaded. Sure enough after that little speech right on camera he pulled a full magazine from the gun followed by pulling back the slide to eject a live round from the chamber. Maybe gun safety should be a general study class in high school.
posted about 3 years ago | edited about 3 years ago
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When I'm at home I run with my dog.
http://www.dailymile.com/people/hegstrom/photos/1406
It's pretty safe here, even more so with Abbie by my side.
I've run in NYC, Tel Aviv, and other cities and always feel safe.
posted about 3 years ago
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posted about 3 years ago
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I've been attacked by two dogs while running, both times using harsh language, (looking back I don't know why I needed to swear considering they're dogs.) But I don't think you should need protection while running, because if it comes to the point of carrying bear mace, etc. then you need to find a new place to run. On the other hand, traveling around 20 mph on a bike and making a head on collision with a crazy 10 lbs. dog is a another matter...
posted about 3 years ago
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in reply to what Brodie B. said:Hey, I like guns. I own one and plan on getting more. I just don't see the need to carry one while running and biking. I guess I live in a safe bubble in Madison, WI. I just never though of brining a gun to a shoe fight. Another thing that ... read more
But on the other hand doing intervals with a 9mm in your hand is pretty bad ass!
posted about 3 years ago
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Oh, and re: bringing a gun to a shoe fight.
Bush is almost out of office, so we won't be seeing many more flying shoes. Also, as long as you bring a gun AND shoes to a shoe fight, you should be okay, I'd think. Just trying to lighten things up a bit.posted about 3 years ago
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If you're on a bike, wouldn't you be able to bike away from people threatening you on foot? If they threaten you with a car, there's not much you can do.
I've heard of people getting shoved off their bike and then robbed. If that happened to me, I think I'd be too injured/stunned to do anything with a weapon, anyway.
posted about 3 years ago
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Scary thread
I am glad I don't cycle in the USA
In Europe (excluding the UK), cyclists are respected by drivers ..... and personal threats? hard to imagine
posted about 3 years ago | edited about 3 years ago
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in reply to what Will C. said:Scary thread I am glad I don't cycle in the USA In Europe (excluding the UK), cyclists are respected by drivers ..... and personal threats? hard to imagine
Scary, indeed!
I terms of respect one has to exclude Germany also!
posted about 3 years ago
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in reply to what Erica G. said:If you're on a bike, wouldn't you be able to bike away from people threatening you on foot? If they threaten you with a car, there's not much you can do. I've heard of people getting shoved off their bike and then robbed. If that happened to ... read more
Let's break this down. If you are on a bike and someone is threatening you with a gun, unless you can ride about 1900 feet per second, I wouldn't even think of attempting an escape. If a group of thugs in a Caprice roll up next to you on a secluded road or park, what are your options? You going to outrun them on your bike? Um, no. you're right. Realistically your best chance is to show them you will not be an easy victim. When cowards are met with an equal or greater force, they tend to run like the cowards they are.
If you happen to get shoved off your bike, assaulted, and don't have the will to fight back despite an injury, your will to live is considerably less than mine. Unless you hit a tree with your face, you should have the means and ability to get up and defend yourself. I know people who have fought off insurgents and bad guys with much worse injuries than falling off a bike.posted about 3 years ago | edited about 3 years ago
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I take a good deal of precaution because I am a female that runs alone, in the dark early hours of the morning (5AM-7AM), and in a fairly urban area. I do not carry any mace or weapons however, if I ever foresaw a need to in the future I wouldn't hesitate to do so in the slightest.
- First and foremost: I wear reflective gear and a bright LED light clipped to my clothes.
- I only run in areas that are well lit with street lights and in areas where the morning rush is in full spring. The more cars I pass (I run mainly on sidewalks), the better. I also purposely run on a route where a major hospital is housed and I know 2 or 3 cops hang out looking to pull over early morning speeders.
- I only run in areas that I know VERY WELL.
- I ALWAYS run with my RoadID bracelet.
- If it's dark out, I never ever stop when someone attempts to talk to me. I avoid them completely and keep moving.
- I assume no one can see me and caution myself at every light and turn. Every damn one.posted about 3 years ago | edited about 3 years ago
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Attention evildoers: I am a U-Lock ninja...
posted about 3 years ago
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I have never considered carrying a gun while running - wouldn't mind to shoot the loose dogs that bark and growl at me. I have tried using citronela spray on aggressive dogs. They couldn't care less. I do avoid areas where I know there are mean dogs. Never had a problem w people. Be careful - if you are involved in an altercation _(ie you are defending yourself) and you are packing an illegal weapon...you will go to jail!!
posted about 3 years ago
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in reply to what Kirsten L. said:I have never considered carrying a gun while running - wouldn't mind to shoot the loose dogs that bark and growl at me. I have tried using citronela spray on aggressive dogs. They couldn't care less. I do avoid areas where I know there are mean... read more
I would never knowingly partake in a illegal action especially in such a nature. I am licensed for CCW. I would recommend you looking into taking a course yourself. I find it useful while shopping and being out in public in general as there is a higher risk of an incident at the mall or a restaurant.
I do prefer to rely on myself for my own defense rather than a dispatcher, an officer some unknown miles away and the chance that I have a good signal on my cell phone. Remember , "When seconds count, the police are only minutes away."
On a side note, what would you do if attacked by an aggressive dog or pack of dogs? You know the sprays don't always work, and as a victim of a dog mauling I prefer not to do that again.posted about 3 years ago
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I have carried dog spray and have used it on dogs. I've never carried a firearm. People have been murdered, attacked, robbed on the trail I normally ride. One summer there was even what was described as a "Boob Grabber" on the loose!
The hitch about carrying a firearm is you have to know how and be willing to use it. That means pulling the trigger on someone, maybe multiple times, at close range not just trying to scare them off. CQB, Close Quarters Battle, is not everyone's game. So serious training is a must.
To answer your question: If I felt my safety was in question I would carry a pistol. I feel police do mostly 'clean up' work when it comes to crime. Its just the way it works. They can't be everywhere at all times. Your personal safety is your responsibility!
Note: this is one of the few times, maybe the only time, in history people have felt safe enough in general to venture unarmed wherever they go. Speaking only for the U.S. here.
posted over 2 years ago
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In Canada we don't have the same level of violent confrontation or aggressiveness. I carry nothing for self-defense and should it come down to it I can ultimately use my seatpost or multi tool as a weapon. As a peace loving athlete I'd like to see a world where no one out for a run or a ride feels the need to carry any weapon.
posted over 2 years ago
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When I cycle I carry a phone and I cycle defensively. I am always on the look out for bad driving habits, irate drivers, pedestrians and to plan an escape route when these things come up and they have. When I run, I run with my 60-lb mutt. I've never had anyone approach me when I run and we both get exercise.
As a woman in a large urban city, I guess I take the stance that there is only so much that I can do or am willing to do to protect myself from dangerous people or wild dogs. I don't want to live in a constant state of readiness or fear or paranoia, knowing where my gun is and remembering to flip off the safety at any moment's notice. I have to believe that staying aware of my surroundings at all times and keeping myself out of unsafe situations has got to be enough. At the end of the day, I probably risk my safety more commuting by car to and from work each day.
posted over 2 years ago
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I have a conceal carry permit, but I don't carry when I run. I still think the best self defense strategy is to RUN! I have run for 30 years in urban settings, and dogs & birds seem to be a more common challenge for me. Yelling, whistles,or a good kick in the case of some dogs, usually will end an encounter.
posted over 2 years ago
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In South Africa I was robbed by two kids (probably early teens) at gunpoint when I stopped to fix a puncture, unfortunately I had just fixed the flat and put the wheel back on my bike when they approached us, so they got mine and my friend's bikes.
I've had very little experience of exposure to guns, so I've never even considered one, probably never will.
I'd say preventative approaches are best where possible, that attack was in a crime hotspot, just bad timing for getting a puncture there, and not my usual route. I'm glad they just took the bikes and fled.
Pick your routes well. I usually ride where there are almost no people, so I would guess there are no crooks there either. I usually ride early morning, only slowing down for red lights and keeping my eyes open for people lingering near the intersection.
Avoid dogs. I'll just pick a slightly different route to avoid the ones that would chase me. Of course they have to chase me once for me to find out though.
Now I stay in Taiwan, where personal firearms are illegal and violent crime is astonishingly low, but I still keep on my toes and aware though, it's a good habit that I don't want to break.
posted over 2 years ago
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Firearms are too heavy or bulky. The weapon of choice for most people that I talk to is mace. I find it moderately effective. A collapsible nightstick has also rated high on the list of things that would work. Overall preventing yourself from getting into that situation in the first place is far more effective. There's a shorter route to get home that I intentionally don't take because there's been 6 muggings directly on that route of cyclists passing through the area.
"What if anything do you do for self protection while you are out - or what would you like to start using / carrying / doing so you feel more safe?"
I choose my route appropriately. I ride really quickly, blow through stop signs and red lights without stopping in certain areas, and no matter what someone yells out, I don't stop unless I feel it's safe. I also lower my head and chest and look down briefly as I pass someone, so if they take a swing at me they'll hit helmet first if anything at all.posted over 2 years ago
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My goodness - it never crossed my mind to carry any sort of weapon - guess I am pretty lucky. I never carry anything of any value and just not pretty enough for any bad guy to want. I do carry a cell when I bike but it is in case of a major break down. I won't let my wife or daughter run alone though - guess that maybe a double standard.
posted over 2 years ago
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my car key will have to be my weapon of choice. can't stand carrying anything "extra" while running/cycling.
posted about 2 years ago
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I'm fortunate to be able to be able to run on private property covered with woods. People have never been a safety issue, but animals is sometimes a concern. Several Black Bear sightings have been reported in the vicinity and coyotes are fairly common. Once, I came across a group of dogs, but managed to scare them away.
Carrying a weapon has crossed my mind, but I believe the likelihood of a loaded gun accidentally discharging would be more probable than an animal attack.
posted almost 2 years ago
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At the moment I just ride fast. :)
I'd consider a 9mm Glock in a belly band which would be my preferred carry option anyway. Just not sure how it would effect my breathing on the bike.
http://www.outdoors.net/site/features/feature.aspx?rn=72406&Forum=Firearms&ArticleCode=3267&V=False
posted over 1 year ago
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Americans and their love for guns!?!?!? It's really quite funny, kind of like a night light for a little kid.
I have had cars swerve at me, turn around and come back in the wrong lane to try and hit me and have everything imaginable thrown at me, along with being shot with a pellet gun. Why would I shoot them? Are they A-holes, yes but do they need to be killed?
The one question you have to ask yourself gun lovers: If you have a gun, are you willing to use it or is it just a security blanket. I tend to think the first moron to pull a gun is the one willing to use it, if not why carry it?
I'm sure most here that "carry" have more to lose (you probably have a good job, good health, nice family etc....) then the moron you think you'll shoot for *insert stupid reason to shoot someone here*.
I think the bicycle advocacy groups should spend more time and money on education for the public and police. When I've told police officers what has been done to me while riding, they are shocked.
posted over 1 year ago
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Since we've had a mountain lion killed by the PD (another one has been sighted) here in town I've carried both a pistol and I've always carried a folder knife. When I'm out on the Maah Daah Hey I do strap a fixed blade knife to my pack. OC isn't a wise choice due to blowback, and I don't really want to trust my life to a tazer.
I do use a Blackhawk Sherpia holster. The pistol WILL NOT go anywhere unless it's drawn. (having gone over the handle bars.)
There's enough stuff I that I hear at work that it more than make sense for me not to leave the house w/o strapping a sidearm on.
posted over 1 year ago | edited over 1 year ago
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Don't carry anything myself. I run in parks (mostly) and if I run in my neighborhood Dogs are my only concern and I have learned that if you stop and act like your picking up a rock and throwing it at them, most dogs will back off enough for you to run away.
posted over 1 year ago
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Whistle, cell phone, and a knife currently and as soon as I can manage, I'll buy a Taurus Judge revolver. But that's just me. The whistle I carry is a bit personal defense and a bit rescue. I figure if I get hurt on a trail or on a run, it can be heard further away than my yelling. Same goes for me blowing it if someone messes with me. The cell phone works the same way. Simply hold it up and threaten to call the cops. Which leaves the knife as my last line of defense. It's a small Spyderco with locking blade. Doesn't add much weight and probably won't help me much, but it's better than nothing.
posted over 1 year ago
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