Originally Posted by bostontrevor
Dunno, maybe I've got it coming to me someday. My commute takes me past two developments (which have a long running beef and makes it occassionally interesting in the neighborhood).
I guess I just feel like if the situation is one that I can't avoid and can't escape from, me going all Clint Eastwood isn't probably going to make things any better.
There's a lot of paranoia in this country about the "inner city", but in reality it just ain't that dangerous.
Forget about inner city fears. I have been assaulted at least twice, and both times in a "good" neighborhood by white people. The issue is road rage, and disprespect for bicylcist rights, and commuting in the city, and safety. I carry pepper spray.
I am almost 49 years old, and have been riding bikes since I was a child. High school, college and up into my 40's. I have been attacked since my college years. However I do ride in the city, and do commute at night in the city. I have learned to look ahead, always try to avoid trouble. And will go out of my way to avoid conflict. I do not respond to verbal assaults, road rage and honking horns. However, if I do get backed into a corner, I will defend my self with what ever is available. And I don't believe that I am being paranoid, a Dirty Harry wannabe, no a neo-libertine. But if someone hits me, I hit back (after I pepper spary him) If I am forced into a fight, I will fight dirty.