I have a nice little Keltec .380; about the size of a pack of cigarettes. When my wife and I ride the MUP I always have it in my fanny pack; also on other rides from time to time. The MUP seems to be the place where the bums hang out quite a bit. They get aggressive asking for money and stuff sometimes and I feel better knowing if things get really out of hand I have a backup. I am licensed and legal.

I got my wife a stun gun. It's about the size of a mini maglite. She keeps it in the back pocket of her cycling jersey or some such. If she needs to get it out and zaps it, it will scare you. If she hits you with it you are going down. Those are legal here too.

Its all about personal choices. Many people are vehemently against carrying. Fine. 2nd Amendment says you can here in the states and I have a legal permit; so that is my choice. If you don't like guns, don't look in my fanny pack.