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| *Vultures Knob>>>Road Bike |
Biking on back roads - how can I stay safe? |
I am a 42 year-old woman. I am considering riding my bike to work each day. Ninety percent of the journey is very quiet rural blacktop that has little traffic and few cars. I am a bit afraid, because I will be pretty vulnerable by myself out there. What things can I do to help prevent myself from being assaulted by someone or hit by a car? Thanks! I'd be more concerned about someones dog taking you down. That's the problem I have in my part of the country. The red neck idiots around here think just because the road goes in front of their house that the dog owns it. I had to sue one good old boy, because his dog ran after me and yanked me off my bike. He wasn't keen about paying for the repairs to my bike, medical bills and for new pants. The judge got him to understand, his dogs right to run free ends on the shoulder of the road. (Camera phone helped out in identifying the dog and calling the cops) Make yourself visible, purchase and wear a high visibility vest. It looks kinda dorky, but florescent green or orange really stand out. Get the one for twilight conditions, they have a reflector strip in it that makes the vest glow when a headlight hits it. You can purchase a battery powered strobe light for your bike, they blink with a red light. Carry pepper spray. When I ride I have a pepper spray canister that attaches to my wrist. It came with an elastic band with Velcro. Make sure you have a loud whistle for two reasons. The first one obviously is to signal for help if it's available, the second reason is the noise can confuse a dog into backing off. Have a travel kit with your bike at all times. A small can of fix-a-flat and some very basic tools for road side repairs. Ride on a stationary bike inyour living room. use reflectors Buy pepper spray at a sports store (anywhere that sells hunting gear). Wear a helmet and make sure to STAY ALERT at all times. Ride your bike in the same direction as traffic. DON'T ride in the dark if possible. If you must, make sure to have plenty of reflectors and look into purchasing a neon colored vest (like the road construction workers wear). Assaulted and hit by a car are two different things. If you're moving on a bike, it is difficult for someone to assault you without getting run over or getting out-run on a downhill stretch. Most predators are lazy cowards, and would look for an easier target than you. I wouldn't worry about it. And since you say there are few cars, you needn't be so concerned about getting hit by one. Most bicycle vs. auto accidents occur in heavy traffic moving at high speeds. Wear a helmet with one of those little rearview mirrors, be aware of your surroundings at all times, and if you must, put a can of mace where your water bottle normally goes on your bike frame. You will be fine. Don't be afraid. Fear is the mind-killer. Nothing to fear but fear itself, and all that. Happy biking! And feel fortunate, many people sit in bumper to bumper traffic every day. Ride quietly and carry an MP5. Other than that, tell close people your route and eta. Carry a mobile. Reflective clothing and lights should help. Vary your route (That way prevent predictability from stalkers). Alarms will do no good, so try other methods, pepper spray that sort of thing. However, assuming you are knocked off. Carry a first aid kit. GPS would be good for describing location and phone. However, best advice, ride with a budy. Luck |
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