Commuting - the "hood"

On part of my commute I have to bike a few miles through "the hood" (for lack of a better term). Unfortunately, the other day I had a flat right in pobably the worst part of it. So I tried to fix it right then and there, but not a minute after I stopped (and NOBODY around) someone came up and what else...."ya got fifty cents?" so i rode almost flat to the next major intersection where there are a few legitimate businesses where I'd be relatively safe to change the tube.

My question to those of you who ride in not so great areas, how do you deal with situations like the above? Any tips? (I might add that anyone looking at me can see from a mile away I don't belong in the area)
thanks,

I normally just say no and if necessary, I'll just push my bike to the next intersection. Don't give them a dime.

When I used to live in rough areas and people would ask me for money I would say no and go on with my business. I've been around the world and the only place I've ever been mugged is Ohama, Nebraska. Go figure.

I agree with Ziemas just politely say no (or yes if you are so inclined) and go on about your business. Panhandlers almost never pose a risk to you. You usually won't see or anticipate the people who will do you harm. If you regularly pass the same people make sure you say "hi" on a regular basis. It is very cheap insurance for the day you have a breakdown. If the people in the neighborhood know you on sight as the guy who always says "hi" you will find yourself treated pretty well. The big thing is to relax and not get overly paranoid about the 'hood.

After living 12 years in rough parts of DC, I've found that if you treat people in the hood decently, politely and don't react with fear to everyone around you, they will normally treat you the same. Despite appearances and stereotypes people in rough neighborhoods do not sit around looking for ways to hassle people who happen through. Given provocation or a disrespectful attitude you can bring a wealth of grief down on yourself, but a live and let live attitude lets you coast through.

I agree with Ziemas just politely say no (or yes if you are so inclined) and go on about your business. Panhandlers almost never pose a risk to you. You usually won't see or anticipate the people who will do you harm. If you regularly pass the same people make sure you say "hi" on a regular basis. It is very cheap insurance for the day you have a breakdown. If the people in the neighborhood know you on sight as the guy who always says "hi" you will find yourself treated pretty well. The big thing is to relax and not get overly paranoid about the 'hood.

After living 12 years in rough parts of DC, I've found that if you treat people in the hood decently, politely and don't react with fear to everyone around you, they will normally treat you the same. Despite appearances and stereotypes people in rough neighborhoods do not sit around looking for ways to hassle people who happen through. Given provocation or a disrespectful attitude you can bring a wealth of grief down on yourself, but a live and let live attitude lets you coast through.

Outstanding post! Thanks!

You can get a flat in center city, and people will come up asking for change. Even in the West Philly area, I have found that if you are nice about it they will go on their way and leave you alone. It's more the punk kids you have to worry about.

Yup. Show respect, get respect. I've heard from others that they've been advised to not even ride through my neighborhood, but whatever.

Exercise some common sense, though. If you breakdown in some secluded little corner, make your way to someplace that has more visibility, that sort of thing. If possible, keep a lower profile. People get weirded out by the full-on roadie kit and can seize on that as a target or an indicator of someone who might be out of their element and open to some intimidation. Even trading in the rainbow sponsored jersey for a solid color with a little looser fit, putting some light nylon shorts over the padded shorts, those sorts of things can tone down your image and make you look a little more normal.

I *live* in "da hood". Every single time I leave the house some dirtbag hits me up.

I have found that smiling and saying "I'm sorry, but I'm Canadian" seems to stop them dead in their tracks. They seem to have witty responses pre-worked-out for most things people will say, but that one isn't one they're ready for.

yeah, if you don't feel comfortable just cruise up to the next intersection - like you did. you never know anyone's story though, so just politey but firmly say no if you don't want to give them money. speaking of this - has anyone ever needed to get change from a stranger before? i needed a quarter to use the phone once. talk about humbling. man, NOBODY wants to help when you really do need it. i quickly learned to judge people thinking "oh, you think you're better than me?!" when they would look down at the ground and quickly pass. haha.

just pretend that you've got nothing to offer.

"dude it's not like I bring my wallet when I'm riding my bike!"

I agree with Marylandnewbie and others with simiar thoughts on 'The 'hood'.
My ride take s me through on of the worst towns west of Philly (Coatesville)
you can imagine.
In the morning I acknowldge everyone regardless of how shady they look and in
the afternoon I am lucky I found a slightly better route around the part that
gives off the most angry and negative vibes for want of a better term.
To answer your question though, I really dont know what Id do in that situation...
Fix quickly and get rolling ASAP or look for a safer place ? Hmmmmmm..........

Maryland's advice is spot on -- I've always made it a point to wave at damn near everyone in the roughest neighborhoods. It doesn't take long to know everyone by sight.

I'm not suggesting that you don't, but on this topic, I think carrying yourself with a lot of confidence -- you're sure where you are and you're comfortable in what you're doing -- sends a signal to the dirt bags to leave you alone. Don't look or act like prey, and you're less likely to become it. The panhandlers are one thing, but primarily you want to deter those who mean you harm.... I biked for four years in West Philly, including regular jaunts down Osage Ave. and even into Mantua *at night*. Also regularly rode Blue Hill Ave in Boston. Never had a real problem. Could be just a lot of luck, but I like to think, at least for my own sanity, that a lot of the preventative things and a solid attitude make a difference....

people can see fear in your eye. so just don't be scared. as others have said hopefully if you treat everyone respectfully you will get respect in return.

I'm a nice person by design so when someone asks me if I can spare some change, and I am able to, I almost certainly will help them out, unless something inside me tells me it is a better idea not to, such as if the personis OBVIOUSLY a drug addict and I feel the money is going for drugs.
Usually when I am approached like this I am outside of a quickie-mart and someone asks for spare change to get something to eat. If I believe them, I'll offer to purchase the food for them, if I do not believe them, I'll say something to the affect that I do not cary my wallet when biking but let me check for some loose change (which I'll conveniently not find). Then there are the guys who come up with such elabotate stories that I have to give them a few bucks just for the effort.
I was raised to believe that if I could help someone less fortunate than myself I should, and I try to live by that.

thanks for the replies. I ride through this area 2-3 times a week maybe (take the train, mostly, though. I don't have a problem riding through, just in this one instance (a flat) I had to get off the bike and sit in one place for a while to change the tube. In this particular area though there's _never_ anyone around (an old vacant industrial area) the only people I EVER see in the area are dealers & hookers, but again, just riding through, nobody really has ever said anything much to me. (except this once)

This is one of the reasons I do not wear cycling clothing, I just wear shorts and a t-shirt so I do not look like I have much money, I also leave my bike dirty for the same reason. When I do have a flat I try to stop at a busy intersection and put my back to a wall so I can keep an eye on things.

People always ask for spare change in a section 8 or bad neighborhood. Strange behavior.

Well, the one time I took my commute home through the heart of Harlem I got pegged at point-blank range with a water balloon to the ear. I haven't gone back that way since, but it's not like I haven't ridden through a zillion times in the past. I think if I were to get a flat there, I'd roll-up to a retail establishment and change my tire out front. If there's trouble, go inside. Or maybe if some people were hanging out on their stoop I'd ask to sit with them while I changed the tube.

Edit: I should add that I, too, live in the 'hood, though a better area than where I was water-ballooned.

not a minute after I stopped (and NOBODY around) someone came up and what else...."ya got fifty cents?"thanks,

Ask them if they have change for a $20.

I agree that carrying yourself with confidence can go a long way to detering trouble. As far as pan-handlers are concerened, I usually take it on a case by case basis, sometimes it's good to invest in a little 'what goes around comes around'. If someone is approaching me that I don't like the looks of in that sort of situation, I'll take control and address them first. Something like, "Hey man do you have a dollar or some change I could have? My bike just got a flat, and if I don't catch the bus I'm going to be totally late!". This also lets them know that you aren't carrying any money.

Ask them if they have change for a $20.

...and then be prepared to give them the $20 if they decide they want it bad enough.

Do what I do. Tell them, "If I had money, do you think I would be out here on this damned bike. I'd be ridin' the bus where it's cool."

Good advice all around. Say no and don't be scared. Most people asking for money at worst will maybe complain or curse at you. I've lived and commuted in some pretty bad parts of Philly, and thats the worst thats ever happened to me.

Or you could just adjust your route a bit to stay on busier, more populated roads.

I just try to remember that they are people just like me. And if anyone messes with me, I can always hit them with my bike...

Where in Philly do you commute through?

Do what I do. Tell them, "If I had money, do you think I would be out here on this damned bike. I'd be ridin' the bus where it's cool."


:D

I ride though bed stuy and it gets pretty hairy in some places at night. My only consolation is that my headlights and taillight are really bright, so that detracts attention away from me. Otherwise, I'm in tight orange spandex, if I got a flat in one of those neighborhoods, I'll probably hit 20mph riding on my rims if I had to.

Do what I do. Tell them, "If I had money, do you think I would be out here on this damned bike. I'd be ridin' the bus where it's cool."




:D Exactly! I get this alot and my response is along these lines, unless I ACTUALLY have some change (I love my debit card). As was said earlier, give respect, get respect, it's the easiest way to get by. Most of the time, when I am in a "bad" part of town, just smile and say hi when you stop. People are often curious about bikers, and just being open and friendly seems to make life very easy. Granted, I will talk anyone's ear off if they give me the slightest chance, so maybe YMMV is a good disclaimer. But just treat people in a friendly, respectful mammer, and have fun. Don't forget that if you were in a car, you may never get to meet new people on the side of the road, and you never know who you might run in to in the starngest of places.

boog

don't worry about that. people do that all the time... they also seem to think i smoke cigarettes for some reason... i never could understand that.

also, if the person's teeth are eroded and spikey lookin get away from them.

I think that you have to play these situations as they come. I do not give to beggers. I dont lie or antagonize when dealing with them. I usaully say something like, "I got three daughters buddy". They understand the rest.

"Otherwise, I'm in tight orange spandex, if I got a flat in one of those neighborhoods, I'll probably hit 20mph riding on my rims if I had to."


LMBO. That would be a sight to see. ROFL

I once pushed a nonrunning Yamaha RD400 through a REALLY bad neighborhood and no one bothered me, it was like walking through a freakshow, and no one bugged me in fact I think I got some sympathetic looks. I think they figured someone who could push a fair-sized bike being as small (skinny) as I was, like it was nothing, should probably not be messed with. They were probably right, I was having a hard day.

Disclaimer: I grew up smack dab in LA and go back every year, so this may or may not apply to your area.

From what I have picked up the best way to be left alone is to not have that chip on your shoulder elitest attitude. That bugs so many people, and the last thing you want in an area like those is to rub someone the wrong way. If someone comes up to you it is best to kindly answer them, and not be saracastic (no, if I had money do you think I'd be riding a bike comments...those are not the best things to say a lot of times) a simple yes or no will do. If they persist ask them if they will at least lend a hand in helping you change your tire (I've done this a number of times) and they usally go away...as its work and thats what they hope to avoid. All in all just be respectful and mindful. Think of the people in those areas as sharks, and you a lone diver...you better show respect or you will likely end up not happy.

Elvish

Yeah I might give 'em the 50 cents, or say I haven't got it (which I often do when I haven't got it) or something. I like the "I'm Canadian" reply, that's funny! I like the idea of asking them to do some actual work, that's what they're out to avoid all right. They are sharks indeed, or not to insult sharks, hyenas.

Have you never been asked for money before?
I live a couple blocks from the projects. I had someone walk through my front door asking for money.
Just because someone asks you for money it doesn't mean you're about to get robbed or killed.

(variation on a joke I read once)

You hand them a bullet. You say "Here, I'm going to give you this one now, and another one later. The 2nd one is going to come reallllll fast."

(variation on a joke I read once)

You hand them a bullet. You say "Here, I'm going to give you this one now, and another one later. The 2nd one is going to come reallllll fast."

Thats hilarious!!

"Sorry, I'm Canadian", that's classic, talk about a brain freeze.

Enjoy your ride through the hood, one of the reasons I got my bike is because I felt so isolated from the "real" world. It feels good to be closer to people of all types, and to "live" again.

Good advice in this thread.

There is often less to be afraid of than one might initially think.

Absolutely don't give money to panhandlers. Its even more important in cases like yours since you were not in a tourist/commercial area. Such "panhandlers" may just be trying assess how much money you have and if you make the mistake of reaching for money, you could be mugged. Say "no" to panhandlers.

While we are on the topic, any of you Philly commuters have suggestions for a Delaware boy wanting to bike into West Philly? My girlfriend lives there (right next to UPenn) and I'd like to not always have to drive if I want to head up her way. But, the only bikeable route is through Chester, an area that I'm not familiar with and one that many have cautioned me not to ride through (non-bikers). Usually, this would not deter me but given that I have no idea what the roads are even like, I'm a bit more cautious than usual. Anyone ride through this area frequently enough to be able to give me some tips on a route?

I work in area that's a bit rough. Sorta a transition area. Some students, some hood, some homesteaders, right on the border of a rough neighbourhood and an renewed one. I've come to know the street vendors and a some of the folks, quality people all, always good with a smile and a greeting. For some reason, I only get hit up for change within a block of the ABC store. Go figure.

When I lived in a scruffy part of Atlanta I picked up a trick from the street preachers. I ask panhandlers if they have accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Nobody has ever hung around for the pre-dole sermon.

When I taught driving school there, certain zip codes we would not go into. We were happy to arrange to meet a student at a MARTA station to begin the lesson. One kid told me, "I don't blame you a bit. If I didn't live in that neighborhood, I wouldn't go there either." We spent the next two hours talking about his bad experiences in his own neighborhood.

As he was a really bright, nice teenager and was college-bound, I'm sure he's long gone from the 'hood these days.

This is a pretty old thread. I hope the OP is still following it.

Tuckerton--I live, work and ride in the inner city, and it sounds like you handled the situation real well. You got through it with no blunders and you didn't provoke anybody to attack you. People tend to mistrust and fear those who seem different. That works both ways. You do not trust them, and they do not trust you. One of the challenges and rewards of being human is finding a way past that mutual distrust.

You must be wary around strangers, while also being aware that, even in the worst neighborhood, 99 % of the people you encounter will be decent and friendly. (Of course, the other 1 % might slash your throat to get a bike they'll sell for $20.)

People ask for change for two main reasons. Either they really want change, or they are feeling you out to see if they trust or mistrust you. If they decide to mistrust you, then you are suitable to be a victim or an enemy. If they trust you, they may want you to become their accomplice, an interesting diversion, or even a friend. On rough streets, these decisions are made pretty quickly, and you too should be prepared to make quick decisions about those you encounter. In any case, I don't think it makes much difference whether you actually give them some change, but it usually seems to work out OK if you do not.

The one thing I would be firm about is, do not let strangers anywhere get too close to you physically. Only people with bad intentions will violate your personal space, so don't let that happen.

I'm in Chicago... and my commute makes me go right by Cabrini Green. The thing is, It's definitely changed.

Yes indeed. We are always forgetting that crime rates--especially street crime--are lower now than they were in the last century.

Honestly I think the "I'm sorry, but I'm Canadian" is the most hilarious, probably most effective, method of all the ones talked about on here!

That, or hand them a Jack Chick "come to Jesus" pamphlet www.chick.com

Joejack:
Never ridden through Chester, let alone been in the city, so I can't speak from any personal experience. Would you consider taking the R2 from Marcus Hook to a station just beyond? It's not biking but it is another option through there. Let us know how it works out whichever way you get through there.

Roody:
Usually nobody bothers me when I'm riding. Maybe the occasional yell, or something, but not really anything much. If anything, people treat me better in the hood versus the burbs where I live. (depends on how I'm dressed too). But, when I get off the bike, it's a different story, don't know what it is. Just so happend this time I got a flat. Wasn't in the spandex roadie gear, so I don't think I looked THAT weird.

"I'm sorry I dont speak French"

Joejack:
Never ridden through Chester, let alone been in the city, so I can't speak from any personal experience. Would you consider taking the R2 from Marcus Hook to a station just beyond? It's not biking but it is another option through there. Let us know how it works out whichever way you get through there.


I've considered taking the train from Marcus Hook or Claymont. Both are within 5 miles of my house and that's how my girlfriend usually gets to Wilmington. But ideally I'd be able to bike the whole way (and it would save me $5 each way). I will definitely report back on my findings/success. I scoped my route out using Google map's satellite view and Rt. 13 appears to be busy enough to feel secure on yet wide enough to easily bike down.

My question to those of you who ride in not so great areas, how do you deal with situations like the above? Any tips? (I might add that anyone looking at me can see from a mile away I don't belong in the area)
thanks,

Self confidence and my good friends Smith and Wesson. :rolleyes:

I once pushed a nonrunning Yamaha RD400 through a REALLY bad neighborhood and no one bothered me, it was like walking through a freakshow, and no one bugged me in fact I think I got some sympathetic looks. I think they figured someone who could push a fair-sized bike being as small (skinny) as I was, like it was nothing, should probably not be messed with. They were probably right, I was having a hard day.

Folks.

All this fear is unwarranted. The people most likely to be attacked are those living in the "hood" so put the fear in your water bottle. During the day, you'll most likely be injured or killed by the motorist. I ride in bad neighborhoods during the day all the time an nothing ever happend. The only time I've met hostility are with the motorist. That's all.

Keep in mind the transportation cyclist is considered too poor to afford public transportation. By the time they figure you out, your gone.

I got stranded out near chester once after midnight when the trains weren't running with nowhere to go until the first train at about 5:30 in the morning. I walked briskly like I was headed somewhere when in reality I was just wandering to kill time. It was kind of nice to explore on a nice summer night. No trouble. I wouldn't worry about it.