Originally Posted by
Kontact
So? Does anyone think there is a nationwide scourge of drivers getting out of their vehicles to assault cyclists?
This is one isolated incident, but you guys want to talk about it like its a major trend worthy of a universal response by cyclists.
That was neither expressed nor implied. However, this incident is yet another to stack on top of the pile that have already happened, which have been written about in news articles and/or been published in online videos. The theme among them is clear: If the cyclists involved had implements to protect themselves, the outcomes likely would have been different.
Originally Posted by
Kontact
Meanwhile, there are groups that do face actual systemic attacks, and there is the general risk that everyone bears of random violence that is unrelated to lycra shorts. But neither of those categories are cycling related.
And they have their own dedicated forums for discussing their plight.
Originally Posted by
Kontact
If folks want to talk about self defense for those riding with minimal gear - great idea. Pepper spray/gel is good for dogs as well. Your bike can also be used as a barrier, like how riot cops use them. Frame pumps are useful, too. But this incident contains no general lessons about common driver behavior or common preparations cyclists should make because they are cycling. It seems more like the tendency on this board for cyclists to feel as if they are some special group of beleaguered citizens that are targets of massive levels of discrimination. It is weird.
I hope I didn't convey the sentiment that attacks against cyclists are frequent, because that wasn't my intent. However, there is something to be said about the probability of an event versus its cost to the person/people involved. I'm sure you carry homeowners insurance on your house. What is the probability that your house will be leveled by some rare natural disaster? Pretty low. However, what is the cost to you for not having said insurance if/when it's needed? Astronomical. I'm also willing to bet you wear a seat belt every time you drive your car, but the probability of getting into a crash where you'd need the seat belt to save your life is also very low. And yet, the personal cost for not wearing it when it's needed is incredibly high (life-altering injury or death). I don't think it's unreasonable to recommend that cyclists carry a 1.5-ounce can of pepper gel in the unlikely event they need it, because the cost of not having it when needed is rather high. It's also the best bang for the buck not just in terms of money spent but also in terms of legal hassle.