I can't speak for other places, but my municipality and state government allows carrying a knife with a blade length 3.5" or under, if not concealed. That becomes very weird for a folding pocketknife like a swiss army in a pocket. But in this application, I would definitely use a fixed blade in a belt sheath or on the bike as I usually bike in spandex. That said, yes, I would not carry one in an urban or suburban setting, but in a setting like these women were in, I would feel comfortable doing so. I would also note that the knife I am thinking of getting does not have that "tactical" look that so many makers of everything are touting these days with that exact word; It has a simple stainless steel blade and handle available in green or brown. I had already been thinking of buying it for cooking on the trail, it would work so much better than a folder and not get food in the folding joint.