Originally Posted by
phillyskyline
I commute 3 x week through the "badlands" of North Philadelphia, as the area is called. Open drug dealing is common and shootings aren't that unusual. I have yet to encounter a threat from pedestrians or neighborhood residents. During the summer, a kid splashed me with water (oh no!) and I've also had kids chase me on bikes or foot, mostly out of curiosity, as I ride a folding bike, and bike commuters are few and far between in that area. The worst was a young teenage boy on an ATV (illegal in the city, but people still use them in warm months) who passed within inches of my handlebars going about 50mph on a city street. Cars and drivers are by FAR the most dangerous thing I encounter. I am much more nervous going around the Art Museum circle and dealing with bike lanes that merge and cross over turn lanes to the highway, than I am in the rougher parts of town. Now I just need to continue my record of never getting a flat in the bad parts of town (knock on wood).
I also cycle in Philly...and have been through North Philly many times (although not so much lately). I also went through some areas of West Philly and Kensington that could be a bit frightening. The thing I've learned is keep your head down and your mouth shut and everything is usually going to be fine with pedestrians. I've found that when you don't look for trouble, you usually won't find it. Of course being a big bald guy helps.
Honestly...if you're up against a group of people, I think moving away from them quickly is the best strategy. A weapon is going to potentially escalate things and there aren't many weapons I'd feel confident in against a group of people. I trust my common sense and legs to get me out of trouble more than any weapons.
I absolutely agree with you about the ATVs...the idiots who use those are generally breaking traffic laws, usually in bike lanes or maneuvering in areas we rely on, and they frequently are showing off for another idiot at speeds where they lack control of their vehicle. I am terrified of those things. A guy was attacked in Port Richmond by a gang of ATV thugs.
I can't speak for others, but I'm a hot head. I have a quick temper (although it also burns out fast) and I think for me, a weapon is a very bad idea. I could easily see myself over reacting to a situation where I felt threatened and ending up in front of a jury, or hurting myself by mistake.