Originally Posted by H23
I can't speak for rural environments, but in nasty neighborhoods things like pepper spray give people a false sense of security.
If you're talking about wild kids, its not just 1 or 2, it is typically a whole mob. In my neighborhood the MO of kid bikejackers (or cyclist tippers) is to push the cyclist off his bike with one quick shove and then swarm around him and take the bike (if they want it) while he's on the ground. Pepper spray won't help in a situation like that and could instead cause the cyclist to get his ass kicked. And if you do get your hands on one of them you are going to look the jerk for pummeling a 5 foot kid. Its at best a no-win situation.
The best solution is to have some street smarts, avoid riding through groups of kids, and look out for set-ups where you could become a target. I've also found that its not a good idea to ride through sketchy areas dressed like Captain America.
1) false sense of security? There is no 100% security, but I like to increase my odds. At least I'm carrying somthing. Even though Missouri is a concealed carry state, a revolver is a little heavy to carry on a bicycle. And I am not going to ride in my neighborhood without somthing in my pocket
2) "Pepper spray won't help in a situation like that... cause the cylist to get his ass kicked..? Again, at least I have some kind of defense. What do you propose instead, just ball up into a fetal position and let them take your bike? Sorry, not me. And I have no problems with pummeling a 5 foot kid ; he started it by attacking me.
3) Obviously, the best solution is street smarts, avoid situations if at all posible. However, when I was younger, I was a victim of road rage, by not a kid, but by an adult who chased me down in with his car in broad daylight in a 'good neighborhood.'
4) what about dogs? if a dog come out from nowhere, your are alone, and its a group of dogs?Sure, outrun them if you can. But I have found out that the worst thing to do with dogs, is to turn your back on them, esp. if its a pack. very dangerous. (and I own two dogs, and am a dog lover, but if they are going to chase me, I'll ( and I have ) will f*** them up.