boog

Exactly! I get this alot and my response is along these lines, unless I ACTUALLY have some change (I love my debit card). As was said earlier, give respect, get respect, it's the easiest way to get by. Most of the time, when I am in a "bad" part of town, just smile and say hi when you stop. People are often curious about bikers, and just being open and friendly seems to make life very easy. Granted, I will talk anyone's ear off if they give me the slightest chance, so maybe YMMV is a good disclaimer. But just treat people in a friendly, respectful mammer, and have fun. Don't forget that if you were in a car, you may never get to meet new people on the side of the road, and you never know who you might run in to in the starngest of places.

boog

slagjumper

I think that you have to play these situations as they come. I do not give to beggers. I dont lie or antagonize when dealing with them. I usaully say something like, "I got three daughters buddy". They understand the rest.

scoana

"Otherwise, I'm in tight orange spandex, if I got a flat in one of those neighborhoods, I'll probably hit 20mph riding on my rims if I had to."


LMBO. That would be a sight to see. ROFL

lilHinault

I once pushed a nonrunning Yamaha RD400 through a REALLY bad neighborhood and no one bothered me, it was like walking through a freakshow, and no one bugged me in fact I think I got some sympathetic looks. I think they figured someone who could push a fair-sized bike being as small (skinny) as I was, like it was nothing, should probably not be messed with. They were probably right, I was having a hard day.

Elvish Legion

Disclaimer: I grew up smack dab in LA and go back every year, so this may or may not apply to your area.

From what I have picked up the best way to be left alone is to not have that chip on your shoulder elitest attitude. That bugs so many people, and the last thing you want in an area like those is to rub someone the wrong way. If someone comes up to you it is best to kindly answer them, and not be saracastic (no, if I had money do you think I'd be riding a bike comments...those are not the best things to say a lot of times) a simple yes or no will do. If they persist ask them if they will at least lend a hand in helping you change your tire (I've done this a number of times) and they usally go away...as its work and thats what they hope to avoid. All in all just be respectful and mindful. Think of the people in those areas as sharks, and you a lone diver...you better show respect or you will likely end up not happy.

Elvish

lilHinault

Yeah I might give 'em the 50 cents, or say I haven't got it (which I often do when I haven't got it) or something. I like the "I'm Canadian" reply, that's funny! I like the idea of asking them to do some actual work, that's what they're out to avoid all right. They are sharks indeed, or not to insult sharks, hyenas.

simco

Have you never been asked for money before?
I live a couple blocks from the projects. I had someone walk through my front door asking for money.
Just because someone asks you for money it doesn't mean you're about to get robbed or killed.

lilHinault

(variation on a joke I read once)

You hand them a bullet. You say "Here, I'm going to give you this one now, and another one later. The 2nd one is going to come reallllll fast."

trickdog

Thats hilarious!!

echocola

"Sorry, I'm Canadian", that's classic, talk about a brain freeze.

Enjoy your ride through the hood, one of the reasons I got my bike is because I felt so isolated from the "real" world. It feels good to be closer to people of all types, and to "live" again.

H23

Good advice in this thread.

There is often less to be afraid of than one might initially think.

Absolutely don't give money to panhandlers. Its even more important in cases like yours since you were not in a tourist/commercial area. Such "panhandlers" may just be trying assess how much money you have and if you make the mistake of reaching for money, you could be mugged. Say "no" to panhandlers.

joejack951

While we are on the topic, any of you Philly commuters have suggestions for a Delaware boy wanting to bike into West Philly? My girlfriend lives there (right next to UPenn) and I'd like to not always have to drive if I want to head up her way. But, the only bikeable route is through Chester, an area that I'm not familiar with and one that many have cautioned me not to ride through (non-bikers). Usually, this would not deter me but given that I have no idea what the roads are even like, I'm a bit more cautious than usual. Anyone ride through this area frequently enough to be able to give me some tips on a route?

Poguemahone

I work in area that's a bit rough. Sorta a transition area. Some students, some hood, some homesteaders, right on the border of a rough neighbourhood and an renewed one. I've come to know the street vendors and a some of the folks, quality people all, always good with a smile and a greeting. For some reason, I only get hit up for change within a block of the ABC store. Go figure.

PainTrain

When I lived in a scruffy part of Atlanta I picked up a trick from the street preachers. I ask panhandlers if they have accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Nobody has ever hung around for the pre-dole sermon.

When I taught driving school there, certain zip codes we would not go into. We were happy to arrange to meet a student at a MARTA station to begin the lesson. One kid told me, "I don't blame you a bit. If I didn't live in that neighborhood, I wouldn't go there either." We spent the next two hours talking about his bad experiences in his own neighborhood.

As he was a really bright, nice teenager and was college-bound, I'm sure he's long gone from the 'hood these days.

Roody

This is a pretty old thread. I hope the OP is still following it.

Tuckerton--I live, work and ride in the inner city, and it sounds like you handled the situation real well. You got through it with no blunders and you didn't provoke anybody to attack you. People tend to mistrust and fear those who seem different. That works both ways. You do not trust them, and they do not trust you. One of the challenges and rewards of being human is finding a way past that mutual distrust.

You must be wary around strangers, while also being aware that, even in the worst neighborhood, 99 % of the people you encounter will be decent and friendly. (Of course, the other 1 % might slash your throat to get a bike they'll sell for $20.)

People ask for change for two main reasons. Either they really want change, or they are feeling you out to see if they trust or mistrust you. If they decide to mistrust you, then you are suitable to be a victim or an enemy. If they trust you, they may want you to become their accomplice, an interesting diversion, or even a friend. On rough streets, these decisions are made pretty quickly, and you too should be prepared to make quick decisions about those you encounter. In any case, I don't think it makes much difference whether you actually give them some change, but it usually seems to work out OK if you do not.

The one thing I would be firm about is, do not let strangers anywhere get too close to you physically. Only people with bad intentions will violate your personal space, so don't let that happen.

philfart

I'm in Chicago... and my commute makes me go right by Cabrini Green. The thing is, It's definitely changed.

Roody

Yes indeed. We are always forgetting that crime rates--especially street crime--are lower now than they were in the last century.

lilHinault

Honestly I think the "I'm sorry, but I'm Canadian" is the most hilarious, probably most effective, method of all the ones talked about on here!

That, or hand them a Jack Chick "come to Jesus" pamphlet www.chick.com

TuckertonRR

Joejack:
Never ridden through Chester, let alone been in the city, so I can't speak from any personal experience. Would you consider taking the R2 from Marcus Hook to a station just beyond? It's not biking but it is another option through there. Let us know how it works out whichever way you get through there.

Roody:
Usually nobody bothers me when I'm riding. Maybe the occasional yell, or something, but not really anything much. If anything, people treat me better in the hood versus the burbs where I live. (depends on how I'm dressed too). But, when I get off the bike, it's a different story, don't know what it is. Just so happend this time I got a flat. Wasn't in the spandex roadie gear, so I don't think I looked THAT weird.

AndrewP

"I'm sorry I dont speak French"

joejack951

I've considered taking the train from Marcus Hook or Claymont. Both are within 5 miles of my house and that's how my girlfriend usually gets to Wilmington. But ideally I'd be able to bike the whole way (and it would save me $5 each way). I will definitely report back on my findings/success. I scoped my route out using Google map's satellite view and Rt. 13 appears to be busy enough to feel secure on yet wide enough to easily bike down.

toman

Self confidence and my good friends Smith and Wesson.

Dahon.Steve

Folks.

All this fear is unwarranted. The people most likely to be attacked are those living in the "hood" so put the fear in your water bottle. During the day, you'll most likely be injured or killed by the motorist. I ride in bad neighborhoods during the day all the time an nothing ever happend. The only time I've met hostility are with the motorist. That's all.

Keep in mind the transportation cyclist is considered too poor to afford public transportation. By the time they figure you out, your gone.

DiegoFrogs

I got stranded out near chester once after midnight when the trains weren't running with nowhere to go until the first train at about 5:30 in the morning. I walked briskly like I was headed somewhere when in reality I was just wandering to kill time. It was kind of nice to explore on a nice summer night. No trouble. I wouldn't worry about it.

geog_dash

Get a good frame pump. Leaks are often slow. With a good pump you can quickly put in enough air to limp to a safe place.