When I was on an errand with my bike one day, I ran into a Vietnam veteran who approached me after seeing my bike, and told me the following story about his former bicycle commute.
He was riding in the evening in a part of the town not far from where I live, in the Southeastern US. It's an older and poorer neighborhood, but not a particularly bad part of town. It's favored by some cyclists because of its lack of traffic compared to nearby arterial roads. It was getting darker, and he was enjoying the nice evening weather, so he did not immediately notice that he was being ambushed by three approaching individuals, coming from separate directions on either side of the road.
He noticed the individual in front of him, and his attention was thus diverted from the two others, one of who was holding a cinder block. The man with the cinder block launched it at the bicycling veteran, stunning him and knocking him off his bicycle.
As he laid on the ground, the men kicked him until he gave up his wallet and keys; then they kicked him some more, apparently to prevent him from being able to follow them. He watched helplessly while one rode away on his bicycle while the two others ran away in another direction. The entire attack had taken about 30 seconds.
It could have been me. Realistically, the area I live in is probably not much safer than the area he was travelling through, even though neither are 'bad.' Since I heard his story, I've been trying to figure out what I could differently that would prevent me from getting my arse kicked and losing my bicycle. I carry a cell phone, but I don't really think I'd be able to dial it in time for the police to help me. My bike has a fairly heavy lock, but realistically, do I have any chance of using it for self-defense in this sort of situation?
What would you do? Are you doing anything that you feel would protect if this sort of situation came up while riding? Has anything like this ever happened to you, and if so, what did you do?
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.
This happens all the time to pedestrians, naturally. Having a bike could be an advantage or a disadvantage.
The cyclists best weapon is probably simply in his ability to outmaneuver and escape.
I have a can of high strength pepper spray on me due to work related hazards, but that doesn't help much if you have to stop and prepare yourself for the encounter.
mtnbk3000
This happens all the time to pedestrians, naturally. Having a bike could be an advantage or a disadvantage.
The cyclists best weapon is probably simply in his ability to outmaneuver and escape.
I have a can of high strength pepper spray on me due to work related hazards, but that doesn't help much if you have to stop and prepare yourself for the encounter.
get a u-lock, and have it on your bag in a velcro strap that if you pull on the lock it comes right out but if it is just sitting on the strap it doesn't weigh enought to pull the strap out.
gosmsgo
never happened.
If it did the police would be able to track the blood trail to the suspects location.
Dont bring a cinder block to a gunfight.
veganboyjosh
i've never been presented with this scenario, and i currently live in a pretty affluent town (boulder, co). i used to commute in east los angeles (4 miles one way, on a schwanky bmx bike) for about a year, tho.
my advice would be to avoid this situation in the first place. pay attention to where you are, who's around you, who's approaching you, etc.
if you think it's gonna get ugly, pick up the pace.
dpr
Assuming you cant escape on your bike when you sense danger, your best hope is likely compliance. You have no idea what weapons "they" might be carrying. Give them your phone, wallet and bike ect. Its not worth your life.
webist
Realistically? I simply hope it doesn't happen to me and usually do not think about it. These types of things can actually happen anywhere. I tend to advise myself and my loved ones to attempt to be aware of what's going on nearby at all times. Should I or one of them be unaware of the potential for danger, it is adviseable to seek alternative routes.
-=Łem in Pa=-
I have to go through one of the most violent neighborhoods in
S. Fl to get to my job. I got an electric shock baton.
I used to laff at 'do you carry threads' and stuff like this until it
applied to me. My main objective is just to keep rolling but I
dont want to be helpless if a crackhead runs out of the shadows
and grabs me or my stuff.
gosmsgo
I just wrote that for no appearant reason.
I do not really carry a gun.
Stujoe
Getting jumped 3 on one is probably an ***** kicking for the average individual no matter which way you slice it, what you are packing, or how tough you think you are. Unless you can outrun them.
One on one is much better odds and I have a few things that might help but I would still try to outrun first. If that doesn't took like it will work, I would probably try to hit them with the bike first. And when we are both trying to recover, is when I would try to get out one of the few things that might help.
mandovoodoo
I accelerated at the guy in my way and put my head down. Probably hit 35 as I went by him - he dove out of the way. Couldn't think of anything else to do. I saw 3, so that was probably it. That's all you need. There were three in Egypt, too. The one who stopped us in the road and the two we didn't see behind us, each with an AK-47. Nice of them not to shoot us!
maddyfish
Assuming you cant escape on your bike when you sense danger, your best hope is likely compliance. You have no idea what weapons "they" might be carrying. Give them your phone, wallet and bike ect. Its not worth your life.
Yeah so you can comply with their wish for you to die, or be raped, or dismembered.
Be a sheep if you like, but for me I'll fight. Crimanals seek out people who will comply, and submit.
1. Don't go to bad places
2. Be confident, dirt bags are cowards and avoid confident, assertive people
3. Pay attention
4. Be proactive, as soon as you notice somebody, say "hello" or scream or whatever, it may throw them off just enough to get away.
5. Have a plan for a less-than-lethal defense, bear spray would work. Also good for dogs.
6. If you have to go to a bad area, be prepared to defend yourself with lethal force.
bmclaughlin807
I accelerated at the guy in my way and put my head down. Probably hit 35 as I went by him - he dove out of the way. Couldn't think of anything else to do. I saw 3, so that was probably it. That's all you need. There were three in Egypt, too. The one who stopped us in the road and the two we didn't see behind us, each with an AK-47. Nice of them not to shoot us!
This would be what I'd do, as well... With ANYONE that's deliberately getting in my way trying to slow me down/stop me... If he didn't dive, I'd barrel into him full tilt... that would at least (most likely) get the odds down to 2-1, and with the adrenaline rush, I probably wouldn't feel a thing till afterwards. I also carry a 3-D cell mag lite that is readily accessible... I haven't used it on any dogs (the 4 legged OR the 2 legged) YET.
I've BEEN assaulted by three people at once... luckily for me (well... maybe... I was doing pretty good, and they were a bunch of chicken ****s) there was a fourth... the driver. Who remained in the SUV which was only a few feet away... I swung my bike (Yes, my 42 lb commuter!) at the guy in front of me, he backed off and I continued the swing around and released the bike... right at the windshield of the truck. The expression on the driver's face as the bike comes flying towards him is one I'll NEVER forget!! :eek:
The bike hit the windshield, shattering it, and bouncing to the ground on the other side. The driver threw the truck into reverse, and then took off... with his three buddies running after him, screaming "Wait for us! Wait for us!" And me chasing after them (carrying my bike!), calling them every name in the book and daring them to come back!
I got away with a lump on the back of the head and had to straighten my handlebars... my bar tape also got torn a little bit. I'm sure what the guy got when he got home and had to explain to daddy about the windshield MORE than made up for it. :D
CB HI
Head down and sprint as fast as you can at the guy in front. He will step out of the way and the guys on the side will not be able to catch you.
NYCJAZIE
He noticed the individual in front of him, and his attention was thus diverted from the two others, one of who was holding a cinder block. The man with the cinder block launched it at the bicycling veteran, stunning him and knocking him off his bicycle.
That's not a good situation, they use those tactics in NYC to, try a different route everynight. When i ride my bike in New York City not "State", that is what I do, weather I am walking or riding, I do not give anyone the pleasure of saying, she goes this route everyday, criminals watch your every move and sit there and conversate with you about it, even if you don't notice. Been there done that and learned. Nope it will never, ever happen to me again. So just change the routine on your way of getting home and be safe at all times.
Hugs, NYCJAZIE.
StrangeWill
My bike transforms into a robot, then I'd destroy them.
why2not
Hugs, NYCJAZIE.
OT
NYCJAZIE
Nice to see you still here after the beating you took in your opening thread. :)
eubi
If there's the possiblilty of attracting attention, you can always yell "fire".
littlewaywelt
You're much more likely to get run over when on your bike, yet you still ride.
There's no way to eliminate the threat of this type of event.
Being aware of your surroundings and being able to push the big ring are your best defenses.
Riding different routes and not being predicatable is probably important if you're riding through areas with rampant crime on a regular basis. Just like commuting on a highway, if you put yourself repeatedly in harms way, you're asking for trouble.
AlmostTrick
Yeah so you can comply with their wish for you to die, or be raped, or dismembered.
Be a sheep if you like, but for me I'll fight. Crimanals seek out people who will comply, and submit.
1. Don't go to bad places
2. Be confident, dirt bags are cowards and avoid confident, assertive people
3. Pay attention
4. Be proactive, as soon as you notice somebody, say "hello" or scream or whatever, it may throw them off just enough to get away.
5. Have a plan for a less-than-lethal defense, bear spray would work. Also good for dogs.
6. If you have to go to a bad area, be prepared to defend yourself with lethal force.
Many people walk or ride around in a daydream and then are taken by complete surprise when something happens. Maddy's advice is sound and will keep most thugs at bay. They really do prefer an easy target.
NYCJAZIE
OT
NYCJAZIE
Nice to see you still here after the beating you took in your opening thread. :) HAHA, I am a New Yorker what can I say. ; )
Bionicycle
I carry a firearm for personal protection and the protection of my wife... I have a carry concel permit.
I don't want to debate this on a bicycle forum... It's just my personal choice... (besides I've already debated it on two other threads :rolleyes: here on BF)
Safe and fun riding to you all...
rwp
I've done absolutely nothing to prepare for this type of scenario because the probability of it happening is next to zero. If you want to study martial arts, do it for the physical and mental health benefits. Non-lethal defense is much more likely to be of use against animals than humans and staying alert is something you should do when cycling regardless of the surroundings. Anything more is a waste of time and effort.
Abneycat
I had to go back into my post list to find this thread and dig it up, sorry about that, but coincidentally something happened to me the other night:
The other night I was riding home, decided to take a different route which goes over a highway overpass. Anyways, there's this bike path going downhill before the overpass which has a steep downhill off the side with bushes skirting the path, and as I was going down it this guy comes right up from the side and moves in right behind me. Was dusk, but he was bigger, wearing a dark red blazer and didn't look like he was trying to start a conversation. When I was starting down the hill, it was a lazy roll and I was only moving about 15-18kph. He got within 2 or 3 feet of the back of my bike, but I saw him coming from the side and kicked it.
He was definetly moving to take me off the bike.
Once again, I still find that awareness and evasion are probably tops on a bike. I still had the pepper spray, but no telling what he might have had. This time it worked out pretty well.
noisebeam
Just reported in the local paper:
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/1017abrk-stabbing1017.html
A report of a cyclist assaulted by three with knives. Bike stolen.
Al
Artkansas
never happened.
If it did the police would be able to track the blood trail to the suspects location.
You assume that the police would care.
In the late '70s I was pedaling my Centurion Pro Tour from home to school 10 miles away. I had just started riding. Three teenaged gangsters started following me on bikes, I wasn't too worried, I knew I could out run them. A couple of blocks later, another gang in a 64 Impala saw us. The driver of the Impala came up even with me and then pulled to the curb, pinning me to the concrete and the occupants piled out of the car. I tried to run, dragging my bike back out into the street as one fellow hit my back with a bat (thankfully my heavy cable was in my backpack and absorbed the blow). Surrounded by 7 people, My bicycle was the only weapon I had and I swung it trying to clear some space.
But I couldn't keep it up, and the last I saw of the bike, it was in mid air with a gang on each end. The police station was two blocks away and I walked there.
When I got there and tried to get some action, I was met with overwhelming disinterest. It was obvious that they did not believe me. Then a woman called to report the crime and she could even identify one of the attackers. He was he nephew.
The cops swung into action and took a report. We're talking grand theft and assault with a witness but they couldn't even be bothered to assign an officer to check it out.
ChipSeal
When I was on an errand with my bike one day, I ran into a Vietnam veteran who approached me after seeing my bike, and told me the following story about his former bicycle commute.
He was riding in the evening in a part of the town not far from where I live, in the Southeastern US. It's an older and poorer neighborhood, but not a particularly bad part of town. It's favored by some cyclists because of its lack of traffic compared to nearby arterial roads. It was getting darker, and he was enjoying the nice evening weather, so he did not immediately notice that...
From the described post I would think if you were traveling at a fair clip rather than moseying along, most of the "opportunities" for mischief will vanish. They say speed kills. Perhaps sometimes it protects?
Placid Casual
never happened.
If it did the police would be able to track the blood trail to the suspects location.
Yeah, I saw this on CSI so it must be true.
jcm
A Haiku...
Ambush by all three,
situation desperate.
What shall I do now?
One thug to the front,
Two thugs to the side of me.
Danger close at hand.
Quickly skid to stop,
dismount bicycle quicker.
Squat low to the ground.
Grab ankles, pull hard.
Bend your head between your thighs,
and kiss *** good-bye.
The End.... japanese haiku music fades away into back ground....
Moral of Story:
There is virtually no defense against a surprise attack - especially by multiple assailants. That's why it is so universally taught in military colleges. Unless you approach with "scouts out", forget it. You're gonna take a beating, at the least. Riding straight at the blocker will indeed get him to move aside, only to give you the slightest little nudge - then down you go. Weapons or sprays cannot be drawn fast enough to be effective in time - and may well give the attacker a chance to steal them, too, with possible fatal consequences for the cyclist.
Situational awareness is the best defense because it it the best tool for avoiding an ambush in the first place.
Doug5150
What would you do? Are you doing anything that you feel would protect if this sort of situation came up while riding?
I carry at least one knife that I can open one-handed. I prefer Spyderco Native III's, but I have an older G2 I wear clipped inside my shirt collar or on the flashlight leash around my neck (at night). If somebody wants my stuff, they're gonna bleed for it.
If some dumb street punk wants to bet his health for a handfull of bills (or a bicycle) it's all our civic duty to make sure he loses that bet. Let him explain his side of the story to the cops from an ER recovery room.
... Has anything like this ever happened to you, and if so, what did you do?
Hasn't happened yet.
I tend to stay clear of bad places I know of; I'm not particularly looking forward to it happening.
~
d2sk
I carry a firearm for personal protection and the protection of my wife... I have a carry concel permit.
I don't want to debate this on a bicycle forum... It's just my personal choice... (besides I've already debated it on two other threads :rolleyes: here on BF)
Safe and fun riding to you all...
I've made the same decision and carry even when cycling.
noisebeam
Phoenix, AZ. Bicyclist shot in face:
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/1113abrk-shotinface111307-ON.html
Al