Just curious how many of you other bicyclist legally carry a concealed weapon for defense while riding. I have been carrying for 5 years now almost daily and when I started commuting by bicycle recently had to switch up my carry methods. I ride through a rough part of town on my commute and even witnessed a drug deal yesterday, so it makes sense to carry especially when riding a nice bike. Retention is my biggest concern while still being able to maintain quick access. I've opted to front pocket carry my Ruger LCP .380 in a Galco pocket holster. I can draw while sitting on my bike with this configuration. I've also comfortably carried my SA XD40SC IWB but it's hard to conceal due to my shirt billowing in the wind while riding plus retention isn't the best. I may purchase a Blackhawk Serpa retention holster and wear it when a sweatshirt is justified. I can't be the only one doing this can I?

nope. i've never owned a gun, nor had the desire to do so.

Yo también.

I've known of others that carry on bike. Mostly while going bike camping, short tours if I remember correctly. Concealment is certainly an issue in terms of being able to access it at a rate to make it safe and feasible. I have no problem with carrying as long as the one carrying has the necessary permits. If I were to have to ride through rough areas, I'd be much more likely to consider carrying. I'd also keep it small caliber.

In before lock and ban?

EDIT: Honestly, I could see the desire, especially in a long tour situation. But on a commute? If I feel I need a weapon to be safe, I need to find a new route.

A co-worker of mine carries his 1911 Springfield in a Galco shoulder rig. It has a thumb break for retention, and he just covers it with a light button up shirt. During the summer he normally does a 10 mile round trip commute 4 days a week with that set up.
I'm planning on a 5.11 Holster T-shirt for my DB380 once I start commuting. It'll hold your LCP just fine. I've been told they'll take a mid-frame semi or revolver as well but I haven't tried it personally. Expensive though, $69.99. Otherwise, I'd invest in an Uncle Mike's (or similar) bum bag.

Have you ever had to use your weapon in your 5 years of commuting? I also ride nice bikes and have been riding for 8 years without ever having an incident (knock on wood!) I haven't felt the need to carry a concealed weapon.

nope.

By that logic I can get rid of my fire extinguishers, cancel my life insurance and stop wearing seat belts. Cuz Ive never had to use any of those things either.

I never have, but I've thought about it before. It's interesting to hear what people use, and of course, what you wear and how far your commute is would have an impact.

I also have never felt like I needed a gun, but if that day ever comes, I'd sure hate to feel like I wish I had one. Besides, if I knew when and where I needed one I just wouldn't go there.

First rule of self-defense: Be someplace else when the trouble starts

I have a permit, but no I do not carry any type of weapon.

me too

To me a gun is more likely to cause more trouble than it can alleviate. I know of a guy in prison right now (a friend of some friends - don't know him personally) who was getting beat, pulled out his gun and killed a guy. Without the gun, he would have had some stitches, maybe a black eye or broken rib. A zealous prosecutor spun and the jury bought it. Now self-defense is 15yrs in prison for him. I'm all for having the right to do so, but that's something to think about before you decide to carry. Its complicated.

Without getting into the issues of if you should or shouldn't, I've carried a Makarov in my handlebar bag before. I know it's not the best place, as you could more easily become separated from the firearm, but it was carried more for defense from 4-legged animals than from the 2-legged ones.

I think cyclists who carry guns are very paranoid and insecure within themselves. Why would anybody carry a gun when cycling to work ? Sure if you are going on a wilderness trip or something then it would be ok to carry a gun, but I don't see a point of carrying one in a city.

I don't see the correlation??

I agree that a handlebar bag may not be ideal, but it does seem easier. Anyone used a belly band while riding?

So you know for sure exactly what would have happened in that alternative situation?
HOW do you know he would not have been beaten to death???
I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

Dont you know that this talk is taboo around here!!! I carry as I commute through the most dangerous part of my town and often after dark. I am licensed and see no reason not to carry as I am no more or less likely to have the need for self defense on my bike or in my car. I have been the victim of violent road rage as well.

To each his own. I don't carry, nor would I ever want to. I see plenty of drug deals go down on my commute, but the corner boys never start any trouble (or even seem to pay me any notice).

To each their own. I just hope that if you carry you are well practiced on operation of the gun.

No CCW. CCR. But no ear buds on the bike please.

I would like to have a rocket launcher attached to my handlebars so I could blast some of these drivers around here.

I have been carrying for 5 years, only bicycle commuting for a month or so. What prompted me to get my CCW was an incident in a parking lot where a homeless guy tried to mug me. Luckily I was able to over power him but had he pulled a weapon on me it would probably have ended otherwise. So no, I haven't had to use my pistol in 5 years, but that is why I carry one. I also had to draw my pistol once when a pitbull almost attacked a small child on my street. Fortunately the owner caught up to the dog before things got bad. Just like you have smoke detectors in your home, seatbelts in your car, etc. I carry a pistol to be prepared for a bad situation. Carrying a pistol gives me an advantage if I were to get attacked, and I want to go home to my wife and son alive, so I make sure I have that advantage. I'm not paranoid, just prepared.

lol!