dbnm

I am sure there will be a bunch of jokes about the title but here's why I ask?

The other day a driver ran through a stop sign at about 40 mph. This was about 30 feet in front of me in a
very decent residential area.

I yelled "hey!". Nothing more.

The driver (male) slammed on the brakes, jumped out the car and came rushing at me with fists clenched.

This dude was hopped up on something and was ready to take me out.

Long story short, after he picked up my bike and threw it, he realized there were people watching and yelling
at him about calling the police, he took off.

So what would you have done? Do you carry any kind of weapon or even pepper spray?

Just curious. I am not really sure what I should do.

megalowmatt

I carry pepper spray but have never felt the need to use it.

What prompted the guy to stop his car and get out?

dbnm

I yelled "hey!"

rumrunn6

dbnm, report it, that's pretty extreme. you don't need a plate number to describe what happened on a police recorded line. when they pick up the phone just explain what happened and describe the vehicle and the driver. this guy might have had another run-in with another citizen down the road or in a neighboring town. your report will help put the pieces together for this violent person.

megalowmatt

People are crazy. I used to say things to drivers who were on their phones and obviously distracted (since it is, after all, illegal here) but don't anymore.

bigbenaugust 

Get his plates (or a pic) and some description of the car and call the fuzz immediately.

ThermionicScott 

Nope, things are good at home.

Number400

Look up the Kimber PepperBlaster II.

I have been pushing these lately. I carry one and have had it at the ready for a dog, but never used. It is at least something to have to improve your position. They are fairly light and in a good, no leaking form and not prone to bursting or venting when in your jersey pocket on a hot day. It is a ballistic charge as well, so you are not going to get overspray on yourself. If someone picked up my bike to throw it, they would get it in the face for sure.
https://www.backcountry.com/kimber-pe...9-001b2166c2c0

PlanoFuji

1) I wouldn't have yelled at him, though I would have noted the plate and reported it.
2) In my area there is a good chance that his behaviour would have gotten him shot. See my answer to 1)

enigmaT120

Any motorist stupid enough to get out of his car (instead of run over me with it) and not have a gun won't be a problem for me. No I don't carry a weapon.

wisaunders

I carry a rubber in my seat bag. As @Leisesturm said in another thread, "...to be ready to seize life's unadvertised blue plate specials."

ill.clyde

cooker

I carry those blue hospital gloves.

And lube.

lostarchitect 

This seems like a good option to cary to self defense. I am not an advocate of carrying a gun, too much can go wrong.

vic303

How did he get ahold of your bike to throw it? Why did you get off your bike?

dbnm

I got off of my bike because he was about to swing at me. He was 6 foot tall and about 210 pounds. I am 5'9" and 160.

KonAaron Snake 

+1 - I think they're a lot more likely to get you into trouble then out of it (and the numbers bear this out). I know my own temperament, and there are situations that ended with some bruised egos that would have been a lot worse had I carried. That pepper spray is interesting, and it's something I've thought of before. In the end, I don't really want to carry it around...and you can get in trouble with pepper spray as well.

To my understanding, some guys get hopped up on certain things that can lead to spray having minimal effect...and I'd be worried about it being used against me. I think the best weapon is common sense mixed with a touch of cowardice.

caloso

My protection is to use my superior speed and agility to remain out of arms length of tweakers who get out of their cars looking to fight me.

fietsbob

I live in a small town, not a big City.

recumbenttoad

I carry mace but I also carry a gun and have for several years. I am comfortable with the gun, I am proficient with the gun and I am not afraid of it as long as I remain in control of it. I have never had a reason to present it but I would do so without hesitation if the need did arise. I hope it never does.

As far as mace, don't mess around with the posers. Get some Fox mace and be done with it.

JohnJ80

Thanks for the link to the Kimber pepper spray.

I've been hassled on a couple of occasions by kooks and I've often idly thought about concealed carry or something in case one of the kooks was really out for it. Every once in a while you hear about some cyclist who gets beat up and left in a ditch and they can't find anyone. I guess I don't want to be that guy. Don't think it is likely to happen, but the once it does would be a problem.

J.

Surrealdeal

I try to ride predictably and keep an eye on everyone around me, and I never ever trust anyone. I guess my 'protection' is the wits and guile that any reasonably experienced cyclist acquires over time.

I don't really yell at or confront motorists but one morning a few weeks back I don't know what got into me - There was a pickup truck that was prariedogging into an intersection that I was legally crossing, so I palm slapped the hood as I went by. I was able to avoid him just fine, I was just po'd that he was encroaching. For the momentary satisfaction I got from jolting that guy out of whatever clouds he had his head in, the tradeoff was that I spent the next mile or so wondering if the last sound I'd ever hear was the revving of a truck engine.

CenturionIM

Where's Buffalowings. He carries guns.

the sci guy 

PlanoFuji

If you are going to carry pepper spray be sure to know the laws governing its use in your area. There are areas of the country where legal use of pepper spray requires the same level of danger than lethal force does in more enlightened areas. For instance, the requirements to legally use pepper spray in California are as stringent as using lethal force in Texas (or Florida or many other states)... Just know the laws in your area BEFORE you need to use it.