Commuting almost everyday for a year. Had one situation where a guy left turned on a green as I was crossing, didn't even slow down, and only missed me due to evasive measures on my part.

I screamed, he screamed, he got out of his truck . . .

At that point my only thought was my U-lock.

Fortunately, he got back in his truck. I really dislike confrontations, but this guy saw me, and made no effort to slow down. It made me pretty mad. I don't know the effectiveness of a Ulock as a defensive weapon, and I wasn't eager to find out. But I have crappy coordination and little upper body strength, so I wouldn't do too well in a fist battle.

It does make you think . . .