I am considering getting a baton for protection when riding. I do a lot of riding in downtown urban areas and have come across a lot of shady people. I am wondering if getting a baton is a good idea. I have pepper spray but I would think that having a baton that shoots out to its full length with the pull of a lever is more intimidating. So what are your thoughts on this?

This one is cheap, you have to swing it to open.

https://store.yahoo.com/budget-warrior/telbat.html

I was actually thinking more along the lines of this: https://www.selfdefenseproducts.com/p...batons/pab.htm

Bear in mind that in many states, mere possession of a telescoping baton, such as an ASP, Monadnock, Winchester or the like, by a civilian is a felony.

thats what I am worried about. I dont know if I can carry a knife or a baton or even pepper spray. And it dosent help things that I am under 18. I live in portland oregon and I dont know what the law is here about batons.

Can you change your route? Where do you live and go to in Portland?

My thoughts? I think it's a bad idea. You are one heck of a lot better off going the prevention route - choose safer places to ride, be aware of your surroundings, and listen to that voice in your head that says "this place doesn't look too good" - if that voice goes off in your head, listen to it and leave.

The reality is that a baton like you are thinking about is only going to give you a real advantage in what was otherwise the proverbial "fair fight." But guess what? The bad guys of the world are not the least bit interested in a fair fight. Every time you are faced with the kind of situation in which you would want to use your baton, you will be (1) outnumbered, (2) ambushed, (3) faced with knives or firearms, or (4) all of the above. The possible legal ramifications of carrying a baton only make the situation worse for you.

Here's the other part. Do you plan on getting training on how to use the thing properly if you get one? You should, and that training ought to include not just how to use it effectively, but the limits of its effectiveness. Without proper training, you are more likely to have the baton used by someone else to pound the hell out of you than you are to protect yourself with it.

All things considered, I think you are more likely to get yourself hurt or worse by getting a baton, especially if you let it lull you into what will be a very false sense of security.

A few days ago there was a mace-for-bears touring thread, and a self defense foo thread. Read those for more ideas.

U-lock justice anyone? Carrying one in your back pocket makes for quick access for locking up your bike, and for a quick beat down.

my u-lock is to big to fit in my back pocket. its a kryptolock. I am thinking that maybe I should just turn into the hulk, that would be better than a baton.

I don't know.

I can tell you that I used to travel some pretty bad neighborhoods in Chicago doing apartment house liability inspections. Several people suggested that I carry a gun. I figured that, if I were accosted, it would mean the bad guys had gotten the drop on me and it would be too late for me to get my gun out. My gun would just be one more expensive thing that they'd take from me.

You can always try the religious zealot ploy. Mount a large cross on your rear rack and constantly yell your favorite bible passeges. Most people will stay away. Wearing robes is a plus.

Seriously, changing your route is the best option. If you must carry something, use pepper spray. Most areas will not prosecute for pepper spray when used as a defensive weapon. Batons, bats and similar items will only cause you grief from the law..

Get a bazooka. Try a search. I think someone mentioned that a couple days ago

If a baton is a no-no try a stick. Maybe if it still has bark on it they can't arrest you. Are sticks illeagle now? Better hurry and cut down all the trees to get rid of the supply.

By all means check your local laws. Don't just call up the police department and ask; often you won't get good information from busy desk personel. Google up your state and local weapons statutes, and actually read 'em. Or, call the prosecutor's office.
Be aware that if you travel through several different jurisdictions, you may get different interpretations!

Here in the St. Louis area, you can easily ride through a dozen different municipalities in the course of an afternoon ride.

Self defense law can get enormously complicated. You not only have to worry about the immediate consequences of the incident, but the fact that you may be sued civilly later on.

Pepper spray is an excellent choice as in most areas it's legal (at least to some extent) and is almost universally seen as not permanently harmful. Sticks and other impact weapons can be problematic. Many statutes classify batons or clubs on their prohibited list, and they can raise the level of the incident from a "common assault" (hands, fists, etc) to an "aggravated assault" (using weapons or intending great bodily harm).
The use of weapons in self defense is generally justified if the bad guy is armed, or greatly larger/stronger than the victim, or there are other circumstances that make you feel that you are in danger of being killed or suffering great bodily harm.
The defense must cease when the assault is stopped. You cannot make the guy stop attacking you, then continue to beat or chase him. In some states, you are required to attempt to flee before defending yourself!
Complex stuff even for us cops, much less untrained civilians.

Cattle prod!

I highly recommend checking out the "anyone carry a bazooka?" thread. Lots of good advice there! Whatever you do, please don't help the "anyone carry a gun?" thread stay alive. Give some love to the guys who like SERIOUS firepower.

Is your route really so dangerous that you feel you may need to whip out a baton and do a matrix style beat down on someone, as you're riding?

Helmet mounted mirror to keep an eye on your back side, and then get ready to pedal full speed.

Yesterday I saw someone riding with a baseball bat strapped to the top tube.
Not subtle, but effective.

Isn't that the truth? I've scanned that thread a couple of times just to see what they could possibly be saying that's pertinent. It basically confirmed my opinion of gun nuts.

You are more likely to be run over by a privileged suburban white kid in a SUV talking on a cell phone than attacked by a crackhead or wino neither of whom are likely to be fast on thier feet. If you feel the need to take a swat at somebody a Zefal pump works just as well as anything.

I say concealed weapons permit and Samurai sword. I find people back of a lot quicker at the thought of being cut in half as opposed to be bludgeoned by a club.

Seriously though, I live in Gladstone and I am pretty sure that carrying a baton in Portland is illegal. (samurai sword probably won't be a good idea either) My brother-in-law is a cop so I will ask him tonight when I see him and see what he says. I would agree with everyone here. Pepper spray, different route, or ride like hell. What part of Portland are you riding in?

How about a tire knocker?
They're cheap, made of hickory, with a big metal stud in the end for striking weight. Used for checking the pressure of truck tires, but it oughta work on bike tires, too. Right?
Or just fill an old, sturdy frame pump with fishing weights.

Self defense classes would be the most effective. A little close quarters training will render a club useless.
I used to work with a Wing Tsun instructor; his philosophy was this: Run away. If you can't outrun the attacker, break his knees and run away. If the guy has a knife, run faster. If the guy has a gun, run away, but in zigzags.

I agree, in my Kempo classes they tought me to disable the person just enought to get away. If they attack with a gun or car, umm go somewhere it will be hard to hit you.

[QUOTE=Kabloink]You can always try the religious zealot ploy. Mount a large cross on your rear rack and constantly yell your favorite bible passeges. Most people will stay away. Wearing robes is a plus.[QUOTE]