Anxiety while biking alone
04-07-14, 03:05 PM
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This may sound silly, but it isn't meant to be that way. Because you're worried about getting hit, a valid concern IHMO, get a rear-view mirror if you're not using one now. I use them on both of my bikes, and having the information about what's transpiring behind me, at a glance, makes me feel a little more secure.
The lights suggestion is also very good advice.
04-07-14, 03:07 PM
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Hello All. I live in a small town, lots of country roads to bike on - which is great, but I have extreme anxiety over going out there by myself to bike. I can bike around town no problem, but I prefer to get longer rides in and the only way to do that is to hit the country roads. I am nervous about getting hit, dogs chasing me, etc.. I have had a few problems over the years, rude comments by stupid teenagers, some dogs, and once almost got hit by a truck. I suffer from anxiety already which doesn't help. I do have a biking partner on occasion, but I don't want to rely on him and want to be able to go out by myself. Does anyone have any tips for keeping calm while biking alone? I've been out enough with my friend to know the best routes for me to go, but getting out there by myself is the hardest part. I haven't found any other women to bike with, and the nearest bike club is about an hour away. Thank you for any advice!
For all the mechanical issues when riding with a partner make all your repairs yourself. That way you KNOW you can do it.
Going forward perhaps look to a new kind of good route, one that starts nice but eventually ahs a couple of miles that pushes you a LITTLE, where it comes to anxiety. If you are at all lucky you will find a section that used to scare you eventually changes to OK and then to meh, no sweat.
Also learn alternate routes, what ifs get worse if you have no plan b. If you KNOW you have 3 choices to get home and you are comfortable with all 3 worry about any one having problems can fade.
And depending on just how cool your riding partner is you may want to spend some time together working on your issues. Which is worse for you, leading or following? I don't know and don't care, but i'm betting either is easier than alone, so take the harder, at least enough to improve. (If the ride stops being fun revert to whatever it takes to make it fun again.
Oh and perhaps every once in a while go the next 3 miles each at your own pace. You separate for a bit, but you are not as alone as you are on a 50 mile solo ride.
04-07-14, 03:39 PM
#28
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A lot of meandering thoughts.
Do you think your anxiety is realistic or overblown? Have there been incidents in your area that worry you?
There have been very few problems with motorists in my neck of the woods. However, leash laws are not enforced, and the deer population is very high. I worry about getting nailed by a deer or a stupid mutt. I have a primal fear of getting run over by some meth head, but to my knowledge it hasn't happened here, at least not in a long while.
I often get anxious before a solo road ride, and sometimes I just have to force myself to get on with it. That happened to me yesterday, but once I was underway I really enjoyed myself.
If it's simple anxiety, just jaw yourself into getting out there. I don't think you'd want to medicate before a ride.
If there's a clear risk, then you'll have to consider the remarks of the other posters.
Do you think your anxiety is realistic or overblown? Have there been incidents in your area that worry you?
There have been very few problems with motorists in my neck of the woods. However, leash laws are not enforced, and the deer population is very high. I worry about getting nailed by a deer or a stupid mutt. I have a primal fear of getting run over by some meth head, but to my knowledge it hasn't happened here, at least not in a long while.
I often get anxious before a solo road ride, and sometimes I just have to force myself to get on with it. That happened to me yesterday, but once I was underway I really enjoyed myself.
If it's simple anxiety, just jaw yourself into getting out there. I don't think you'd want to medicate before a ride.
If there's a clear risk, then you'll have to consider the remarks of the other posters.
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04-07-14, 07:56 PM
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I hesitate to mention mirrors as those threads often resemble threads about helmets, dogs, and chain lube; however, I use a Third Eye bar end mirror on both bikes. On bad chip seal, the image may get a little fuzzy due to vibration. All things considered, I'm satisfied with them
04-07-14, 08:47 PM
#30
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I hesitate to mention mirrors as those threads often resemble threads about helmets, dogs, and chain lube; however, I use a Third Eye bar end mirror on both bikes. On bad chip seal, the image may get a little fuzzy due to vibration. All things considered, I'm satisfied with them
04-07-14, 09:44 PM
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Thanks.
As far as fire arms go.. most woman's self defense experts tell you to leave them at home. If women carry weapons, it should be something not so obvious. Like the kitty. Way too often a scared person will hesitate, or in the case of a smaller body, be overpowered. So, the idea is to balance perceived safety with actual safety.
As far as fire arms go.. most woman's self defense experts tell you to leave them at home. If women carry weapons, it should be something not so obvious. Like the kitty. Way too often a scared person will hesitate, or in the case of a smaller body, be overpowered. So, the idea is to balance perceived safety with actual safety.
Now I have read all the posts and in my opinion a third eye mirror a cell phone and a licensed firearm stored in a front bag should give any rider the sense of security ( halt will not deter a charging attacker) and in all my years of riding I have only had to pull my weapon out of my bag once ( all I had to do is clip it to my waist )
Last edited by CbadRider; 04-09-14 at 09:11 AM. Reason: Edited quoted post
04-07-14, 09:56 PM
#32
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At no time was gender ever a consideration for anything except when you brought it into the conversation. A person with anxiety is probably what triggered the comment. Please don't make an issue where there really is none.
04-07-14, 10:38 PM
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most woman's self defense experts
If women carry weapons
in the case of a smaller body
04-07-14, 10:54 PM
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I'm female and I often bike alone, though it is in a suburban area with a fair amount of cyclists. I often bike commute to work also. I don't really think about it when I bike commute to work, but if I do a long solo ride - 3-4 hours+ on my own, I sometimes feel a bit anxious. It is kind of nice to have someone with you on longer rides, otherwise it can get kind of boring or lonely. A lot of psychological research points to the fact we are social animals and not really meant to be alone too much. The challenge is finding others to ride with who are at a similar riding level as you. I would rather ride solo than ride with people who are significantly slower or faster than me. I enjoy riding with my husband sometimes, but I have to stop and wait for him a lot, because he is slow...
You may want to consider therapy to help with anxiety. I went to therapy for awhile in my 20's, mainly to sort out issues related to growing up in a crazy family with all sorts of mental illness, addiction, extreme religious fanaticism, etc. It's very helpful. There are therapists who specialize in "exposure based" therapy - where they help people get over fear of flying in planes and things like that.
I also recommend developing some kind of routine bike ride. Maybe your job, or maybe to run errands, go to appointments, etc. I find that route familiarity helps me feel more confident. My bike commute is pretty much automatic at this point, and I have started to recognize some familiar faces. I have a few other rides that I do regularly, and it helps to feel that you know all the curves, potholes, etc.
There are some female-specific bike forums online, like team estrogen. You may want to check there too.
The following things help me feel more confident when I'm out riding solo:
1) Wear solid, dark colors. I know people say bright colors are safer, but they make me feel more self-conscious. If it's dawn/dusk or the lighting is otherwise poor, I use lights. I definitely don't wear anything "girly" and avoid overly tight jerseys. I don't want to stand out as a female on the road - flowered jerseys, sports bra only on hot days, etc. - those things are all avoided.
2) If people make comments out the car window - I completely ignore them. I give no indication that I heard them at all, ever. I honestly don't encounter this more than a couple times a year.
3) I always carry at least one spare tube, tire patches, multi tool and a mini-pump. Cartridges are too easy to deflate accidentally, in my opinion. I can fix a flat in 15-20 minutes. I have bike repair manuals and I read through them periodically. Even though I don't do much complicated work on my bike, I like to feel prepared enough to do some trouble-shooting if something happens.
4) I carry a cell phone and try to keep downloaded maps on my phone for whatever area I am cycling through.
5) Weight-lifting, core work and interval training help me feel strong and confident enough to handle whatever comes my way.
6) If male drivers stop in the middle of the road and motion for you to turn left in front of them and you don't feel safe to do this - don't hesitate to shake your head and wait until you feel safe to turn. I generally prefer to make turns after all cars have passed.
I don't carry pepper spray. I've never felt like I would have needed this. For off-leash dogs, I bike fast. This has worked so far, but I am in the suburbs. If I were going to do long rural rides in an area with few cyclists, I might consider carrying pepper spray.
You may want to consider therapy to help with anxiety. I went to therapy for awhile in my 20's, mainly to sort out issues related to growing up in a crazy family with all sorts of mental illness, addiction, extreme religious fanaticism, etc. It's very helpful. There are therapists who specialize in "exposure based" therapy - where they help people get over fear of flying in planes and things like that.
I also recommend developing some kind of routine bike ride. Maybe your job, or maybe to run errands, go to appointments, etc. I find that route familiarity helps me feel more confident. My bike commute is pretty much automatic at this point, and I have started to recognize some familiar faces. I have a few other rides that I do regularly, and it helps to feel that you know all the curves, potholes, etc.
There are some female-specific bike forums online, like team estrogen. You may want to check there too.
The following things help me feel more confident when I'm out riding solo:
1) Wear solid, dark colors. I know people say bright colors are safer, but they make me feel more self-conscious. If it's dawn/dusk or the lighting is otherwise poor, I use lights. I definitely don't wear anything "girly" and avoid overly tight jerseys. I don't want to stand out as a female on the road - flowered jerseys, sports bra only on hot days, etc. - those things are all avoided.
2) If people make comments out the car window - I completely ignore them. I give no indication that I heard them at all, ever. I honestly don't encounter this more than a couple times a year.
3) I always carry at least one spare tube, tire patches, multi tool and a mini-pump. Cartridges are too easy to deflate accidentally, in my opinion. I can fix a flat in 15-20 minutes. I have bike repair manuals and I read through them periodically. Even though I don't do much complicated work on my bike, I like to feel prepared enough to do some trouble-shooting if something happens.
4) I carry a cell phone and try to keep downloaded maps on my phone for whatever area I am cycling through.
5) Weight-lifting, core work and interval training help me feel strong and confident enough to handle whatever comes my way.
6) If male drivers stop in the middle of the road and motion for you to turn left in front of them and you don't feel safe to do this - don't hesitate to shake your head and wait until you feel safe to turn. I generally prefer to make turns after all cars have passed.
I don't carry pepper spray. I've never felt like I would have needed this. For off-leash dogs, I bike fast. This has worked so far, but I am in the suburbs. If I were going to do long rural rides in an area with few cyclists, I might consider carrying pepper spray.
Last edited by CbadRider; 04-09-14 at 09:12 AM. Reason: Removed gun comments
04-08-14, 07:37 AM
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04-08-14, 07:57 AM
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Hello All. I live in a small town, lots of country roads to bike on - which is great, but I have extreme anxiety over going out there by myself to bike. I can bike around town no problem, but I prefer to get longer rides in and the only way to do that is to hit the country roads. I am nervous about getting hit, dogs chasing me, etc.. I have had a few problems over the years, rude comments by stupid teenagers, some dogs, and once almost got hit by a truck. I suffer from anxiety already which doesn't help. I do have a biking partner on occasion, but I don't want to rely on him and want to be able to go out by myself. Does anyone have any tips for keeping calm while biking alone? I've been out enough with my friend to know the best routes for me to go, but getting out there by myself is the hardest part. I haven't found any other women to bike with, and the nearest bike club is about an hour away. Thank you for any advice!
I am a female cyclists, and I have done some very long and lonely rides alone.
One of the things that helps me is familiarity. Once I'm familiar with a route, I'm OK riding it. So ride the routes with your friend a few times, then go ride part of the route yourself .... and next time, ride a little bit more of it ... and next time maybe you'll ride the whole things.
Another thing that helps me are 'safe places' ... one of my routes in Winnipeg (where I rode solo a lot of the time) included a couple country shops and I got to know the people running those shops. One in particular told me that if I ran into any trouble, I could drop by. I encountered the same situation when I moved to Australia ... I knew the couple who ran a nearby country shop, and knew that I could take refuge there if I needed to.
Learn how to fix things on your bicycle, and fix them fairly quickly. I'm kind of out of practice now, although I still do change my own tires now and then to remain in practice, but I used to be able to do it quite briskly. There are classes you can take to learn basic bicycle mechanics.
And pay attention. If anything doesn't feel quite or sound right (do not wear earbuds!), locate an escape route. That might be quickly plunging into the ditch, turning down a side road, riding up someone's driveway, turning around and going the other direction all of a sudden ...
I also have a little lie created in my head at all times. I've been out in the middle of nowhere and people (usually men) have asked me the usual questions people ask cyclists ... where have you come from? where are you going? Chances are they don't mean any harm in asking those questions, but if I feel even remotely uncomfortable with the questions, I'll lie. Where I have I come from ... the town just back down the road. Where I am I going ... the town just up the road. And I know the names of those towns. I may even add that I'll be meeting friends or my father or whoever in the next town who are driving there ... who will be driving by soon.
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04-08-14, 07:58 AM
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I'm female and I often bike alone, though it is in a suburban area with a fair amount of cyclists. I often bike commute to work also. I don't really think about it when I bike commute to work, but if I do a long solo ride - 3-4 hours+ on my own, I sometimes feel a bit anxious. It is kind of nice to have someone with you on longer rides, otherwise it can get kind of boring or lonely. A lot of psychological research points to the fact we are social animals and not really meant to be alone too much. The challenge is finding others to ride with who are at a similar riding level as you. I would rather ride solo than ride with people who are significantly slower or faster than me. I enjoy riding with my husband sometimes, but I have to stop and wait for him a lot, because he is slow...
You may want to consider therapy to help with anxiety. I went to therapy for awhile in my 20's, mainly to sort out issues related to growing up in a crazy family with all sorts of mental illness, addiction, extreme religious fanaticism, etc. It's very helpful. There are therapists who specialize in "exposure based" therapy - where they help people get over fear of flying in planes and things like that.
I also recommend developing some kind of routine bike ride. Maybe your job, or maybe to run errands, go to appointments, etc. I find that route familiarity helps me feel more confident. My bike commute is pretty much automatic at this point, and I have started to recognize some familiar faces. I have a few other rides that I do regularly, and it helps to feel that you know all the curves, potholes, etc.
There are some female-specific bike forums online, like team estrogen. You may want to check there too.
The following things help me feel more confident when I'm out riding solo:
1) Wear solid, dark colors. I know people say bright colors are safer, but they make me feel more self-conscious. If it's dawn/dusk or the lighting is otherwise poor, I use lights. I definitely don't wear anything "girly" and avoid overly tight jerseys. I don't want to stand out as a female on the road - flowered jerseys, sports bra only on hot days, etc. - those things are all avoided.
2) If people make comments out the car window - I completely ignore them. I give no indication that I heard them at all, ever. I honestly don't encounter this more than a couple times a year.
3) I always carry at least one spare tube, tire patches, multi tool and a mini-pump. Cartridges are too easy to deflate accidentally, in my opinion. I can fix a flat in 15-20 minutes. I have bike repair manuals and I read through them periodically. Even though I don't do much complicated work on my bike, I like to feel prepared enough to do some trouble-shooting if something happens.
4) I carry a cell phone and try to keep downloaded maps on my phone for whatever area I am cycling through.
5) Weight-lifting, core work and interval training help me feel strong and confident enough to handle whatever comes my way.
6) If male drivers stop in the middle of the road and motion for you to turn left in front of them and you don't feel safe to do this - don't hesitate to shake your head and wait until you feel safe to turn. I generally prefer to make turns after all cars have passed.
I don't carry pepper spray. I've never felt like I would have needed this. For off-leash dogs, I bike fast. This has worked so far, but I am in the suburbs. If I were going to do long rural rides in an area with few cyclists, I might consider carrying pepper spray.
You may want to consider therapy to help with anxiety. I went to therapy for awhile in my 20's, mainly to sort out issues related to growing up in a crazy family with all sorts of mental illness, addiction, extreme religious fanaticism, etc. It's very helpful. There are therapists who specialize in "exposure based" therapy - where they help people get over fear of flying in planes and things like that.
I also recommend developing some kind of routine bike ride. Maybe your job, or maybe to run errands, go to appointments, etc. I find that route familiarity helps me feel more confident. My bike commute is pretty much automatic at this point, and I have started to recognize some familiar faces. I have a few other rides that I do regularly, and it helps to feel that you know all the curves, potholes, etc.
There are some female-specific bike forums online, like team estrogen. You may want to check there too.
The following things help me feel more confident when I'm out riding solo:
1) Wear solid, dark colors. I know people say bright colors are safer, but they make me feel more self-conscious. If it's dawn/dusk or the lighting is otherwise poor, I use lights. I definitely don't wear anything "girly" and avoid overly tight jerseys. I don't want to stand out as a female on the road - flowered jerseys, sports bra only on hot days, etc. - those things are all avoided.
2) If people make comments out the car window - I completely ignore them. I give no indication that I heard them at all, ever. I honestly don't encounter this more than a couple times a year.
3) I always carry at least one spare tube, tire patches, multi tool and a mini-pump. Cartridges are too easy to deflate accidentally, in my opinion. I can fix a flat in 15-20 minutes. I have bike repair manuals and I read through them periodically. Even though I don't do much complicated work on my bike, I like to feel prepared enough to do some trouble-shooting if something happens.
4) I carry a cell phone and try to keep downloaded maps on my phone for whatever area I am cycling through.
5) Weight-lifting, core work and interval training help me feel strong and confident enough to handle whatever comes my way.
6) If male drivers stop in the middle of the road and motion for you to turn left in front of them and you don't feel safe to do this - don't hesitate to shake your head and wait until you feel safe to turn. I generally prefer to make turns after all cars have passed.
I don't carry pepper spray. I've never felt like I would have needed this. For off-leash dogs, I bike fast. This has worked so far, but I am in the suburbs. If I were going to do long rural rides in an area with few cyclists, I might consider carrying pepper spray.
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Last edited by CbadRider; 04-09-14 at 09:13 AM. Reason: Edited quoted post
04-08-14, 08:08 AM
#38
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I’m a middle aged male who rides alone exclusively. Mostly I ride in a large city. However, on vacations I have ridden in rural areas. For some reason it was causing me some anxiety too. I guess I had a perception that I might have problems with locals messing with a spandex clad cyclist. I found that for the most part people have been very courteous and drivers no worse than what I have found in the city. I’d say the biggest problem has been loose dogs. I don’t carry any kind of spray, but I have had to often use my pedal power to get away.
I addition to some of the other suggestions (mirror, spare tubes, basic tools, phone) of things to carry I find planning out my route relieves a lot of the anxiety. I use the ridewithgps web site. I think they use Google maps/Street view. I like to have a look where I’m going first. Make sure the streets are relatively safe or find alternatives when not.
I addition to some of the other suggestions (mirror, spare tubes, basic tools, phone) of things to carry I find planning out my route relieves a lot of the anxiety. I use the ridewithgps web site. I think they use Google maps/Street view. I like to have a look where I’m going first. Make sure the streets are relatively safe or find alternatives when not.
04-08-14, 08:20 AM
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I'm female and I often bike alone, though it is in a suburban area with a fair amount of cyclists. I often bike commute to work also. I don't really think about it when I bike commute to work, but if I do a long solo ride - 3-4 hours+ on my own, I sometimes feel a bit anxious. It is kind of nice to have someone with you on longer rides, otherwise it can get kind of boring or lonely. A lot of psychological research points to the fact we are social animals and not really meant to be alone too much. The challenge is finding others to ride with who are at a similar riding level as you. I would rather ride solo than ride with people who are significantly slower or faster than me. I enjoy riding with my husband sometimes, but I have to stop and wait for him a lot, because he is slow...
You may want to consider therapy to help with anxiety. I went to therapy for awhile in my 20's, mainly to sort out issues related to growing up in a crazy family with all sorts of mental illness, addiction, extreme religious fanaticism, etc. It's very helpful. There are therapists who specialize in "exposure based" therapy - where they help people get over fear of flying in planes and things like that.
I also recommend developing some kind of routine bike ride. Maybe your job, or maybe to run errands, go to appointments, etc. I find that route familiarity helps me feel more confident. My bike commute is pretty much automatic at this point, and I have started to recognize some familiar faces. I have a few other rides that I do regularly, and it helps to feel that you know all the curves, potholes, etc.
There are some female-specific bike forums online, like team estrogen. You may want to check there too.
The following things help me feel more confident when I'm out riding solo:
1) Wear solid, dark colors. I know people say bright colors are safer, but they make me feel more self-conscious. If it's dawn/dusk or the lighting is otherwise poor, I use lights. I definitely don't wear anything "girly" and avoid overly tight jerseys. I don't want to stand out as a female on the road - flowered jerseys, sports bra only on hot days, etc. - those things are all avoided.
2) If people make comments out the car window - I completely ignore them. I give no indication that I heard them at all, ever. I honestly don't encounter this more than a couple times a year.
3) I always carry at least one spare tube, tire patches, multi tool and a mini-pump. Cartridges are too easy to deflate accidentally, in my opinion. I can fix a flat in 15-20 minutes. I have bike repair manuals and I read through them periodically. Even though I don't do much complicated work on my bike, I like to feel prepared enough to do some trouble-shooting if something happens.
4) I carry a cell phone and try to keep downloaded maps on my phone for whatever area I am cycling through.
5) Weight-lifting, core work and interval training help me feel strong and confident enough to handle whatever comes my way.
6) If male drivers stop in the middle of the road and motion for you to turn left in front of them and you don't feel safe to do this - don't hesitate to shake your head and wait until you feel safe to turn. I generally prefer to make turns after all cars have passed.
I don't carry pepper spray or a gun. I have never used a gun in my life and I'm not about to add that much weight to my bike or my self... I've never felt like I would have needed either of these. For off-leash dogs, I bike fast. This has worked so far, but I am in the suburbs. If I were going to do long rural rides in an area with few cyclists, I might consider carrying pepper spray.
You may want to consider therapy to help with anxiety. I went to therapy for awhile in my 20's, mainly to sort out issues related to growing up in a crazy family with all sorts of mental illness, addiction, extreme religious fanaticism, etc. It's very helpful. There are therapists who specialize in "exposure based" therapy - where they help people get over fear of flying in planes and things like that.
I also recommend developing some kind of routine bike ride. Maybe your job, or maybe to run errands, go to appointments, etc. I find that route familiarity helps me feel more confident. My bike commute is pretty much automatic at this point, and I have started to recognize some familiar faces. I have a few other rides that I do regularly, and it helps to feel that you know all the curves, potholes, etc.
There are some female-specific bike forums online, like team estrogen. You may want to check there too.
The following things help me feel more confident when I'm out riding solo:
1) Wear solid, dark colors. I know people say bright colors are safer, but they make me feel more self-conscious. If it's dawn/dusk or the lighting is otherwise poor, I use lights. I definitely don't wear anything "girly" and avoid overly tight jerseys. I don't want to stand out as a female on the road - flowered jerseys, sports bra only on hot days, etc. - those things are all avoided.
2) If people make comments out the car window - I completely ignore them. I give no indication that I heard them at all, ever. I honestly don't encounter this more than a couple times a year.
3) I always carry at least one spare tube, tire patches, multi tool and a mini-pump. Cartridges are too easy to deflate accidentally, in my opinion. I can fix a flat in 15-20 minutes. I have bike repair manuals and I read through them periodically. Even though I don't do much complicated work on my bike, I like to feel prepared enough to do some trouble-shooting if something happens.
4) I carry a cell phone and try to keep downloaded maps on my phone for whatever area I am cycling through.
5) Weight-lifting, core work and interval training help me feel strong and confident enough to handle whatever comes my way.
6) If male drivers stop in the middle of the road and motion for you to turn left in front of them and you don't feel safe to do this - don't hesitate to shake your head and wait until you feel safe to turn. I generally prefer to make turns after all cars have passed.
I don't carry pepper spray or a gun. I have never used a gun in my life and I'm not about to add that much weight to my bike or my self... I've never felt like I would have needed either of these. For off-leash dogs, I bike fast. This has worked so far, but I am in the suburbs. If I were going to do long rural rides in an area with few cyclists, I might consider carrying pepper spray.
A female oriented biking forum... thanks for the mention!
Last edited by CbadRider; 04-09-14 at 09:14 AM. Reason: Removed gun comments
04-08-14, 09:37 AM
#40
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I'm female and I often bike alone, though it is in a suburban area with a fair amount of cyclists. I often bike commute to work also. I don't really think about it when I bike commute to work, but if I do a long solo ride - 3-4 hours+ on my own, I sometimes feel a bit anxious. It is kind of nice to have someone with you on longer rides, otherwise it can get kind of boring or lonely. A lot of psychological research points to the fact we are social animals and not really meant to be alone too much. The challenge is finding others to ride with who are at a similar riding level as you. I would rather ride solo than ride with people who are significantly slower or faster than me. I enjoy riding with my husband sometimes, but I have to stop and wait for him a lot, because he is slow...
You may want to consider therapy to help with anxiety. I went to therapy for awhile in my 20's, mainly to sort out issues related to growing up in a crazy family with all sorts of mental illness, addiction, extreme religious fanaticism, etc. It's very helpful. There are therapists who specialize in "exposure based" therapy - where they help people get over fear of flying in planes and things like that.
I also recommend developing some kind of routine bike ride. Maybe your job, or maybe to run errands, go to appointments, etc. I find that route familiarity helps me feel more confident. My bike commute is pretty much automatic at this point, and I have started to recognize some familiar faces. I have a few other rides that I do regularly, and it helps to feel that you know all the curves, potholes, etc.
There are some female-specific bike forums online, like team estrogen. You may want to check there too.
The following things help me feel more confident when I'm out riding solo:
1) Wear solid, dark colors. I know people say bright colors are safer, but they make me feel more self-conscious. If it's dawn/dusk or the lighting is otherwise poor, I use lights. I definitely don't wear anything "girly" and avoid overly tight jerseys. I don't want to stand out as a female on the road - flowered jerseys, sports bra only on hot days, etc. - those things are all avoided.
2) If people make comments out the car window - I completely ignore them. I give no indication that I heard them at all, ever. I honestly don't encounter this more than a couple times a year.
3) I always carry at least one spare tube, tire patches, multi tool and a mini-pump. Cartridges are too easy to deflate accidentally, in my opinion. I can fix a flat in 15-20 minutes. I have bike repair manuals and I read through them periodically. Even though I don't do much complicated work on my bike, I like to feel prepared enough to do some trouble-shooting if something happens.
4) I carry a cell phone and try to keep downloaded maps on my phone for whatever area I am cycling through.
5) Weight-lifting, core work and interval training help me feel strong and confident enough to handle whatever comes my way.
6) If male drivers stop in the middle of the road and motion for you to turn left in front of them and you don't feel safe to do this - don't hesitate to shake your head and wait until you feel safe to turn. I generally prefer to make turns after all cars have passed.
I don't carry pepper spray. I've never felt like I would have needed this. For off-leash dogs, I bike fast. This has worked so far, but I am in the suburbs. If I were going to do long rural rides in an area with few cyclists, I might consider carrying pepper spray.
You may want to consider therapy to help with anxiety. I went to therapy for awhile in my 20's, mainly to sort out issues related to growing up in a crazy family with all sorts of mental illness, addiction, extreme religious fanaticism, etc. It's very helpful. There are therapists who specialize in "exposure based" therapy - where they help people get over fear of flying in planes and things like that.
I also recommend developing some kind of routine bike ride. Maybe your job, or maybe to run errands, go to appointments, etc. I find that route familiarity helps me feel more confident. My bike commute is pretty much automatic at this point, and I have started to recognize some familiar faces. I have a few other rides that I do regularly, and it helps to feel that you know all the curves, potholes, etc.
There are some female-specific bike forums online, like team estrogen. You may want to check there too.
The following things help me feel more confident when I'm out riding solo:
1) Wear solid, dark colors. I know people say bright colors are safer, but they make me feel more self-conscious. If it's dawn/dusk or the lighting is otherwise poor, I use lights. I definitely don't wear anything "girly" and avoid overly tight jerseys. I don't want to stand out as a female on the road - flowered jerseys, sports bra only on hot days, etc. - those things are all avoided.
2) If people make comments out the car window - I completely ignore them. I give no indication that I heard them at all, ever. I honestly don't encounter this more than a couple times a year.
3) I always carry at least one spare tube, tire patches, multi tool and a mini-pump. Cartridges are too easy to deflate accidentally, in my opinion. I can fix a flat in 15-20 minutes. I have bike repair manuals and I read through them periodically. Even though I don't do much complicated work on my bike, I like to feel prepared enough to do some trouble-shooting if something happens.
4) I carry a cell phone and try to keep downloaded maps on my phone for whatever area I am cycling through.
5) Weight-lifting, core work and interval training help me feel strong and confident enough to handle whatever comes my way.
6) If male drivers stop in the middle of the road and motion for you to turn left in front of them and you don't feel safe to do this - don't hesitate to shake your head and wait until you feel safe to turn. I generally prefer to make turns after all cars have passed.
I don't carry pepper spray. I've never felt like I would have needed this. For off-leash dogs, I bike fast. This has worked so far, but I am in the suburbs. If I were going to do long rural rides in an area with few cyclists, I might consider carrying pepper spray.
Last edited by CbadRider; 04-09-14 at 09:16 AM. Reason: Edited quoted post
04-08-14, 10:00 AM
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As a female you are more likely to encounter foul play in your lifetime (so much for easing anxiety) I would visit "nononsenseselfdefense" and at the very LEAST carry a pepper spray.
Even if wearing dark clothing makes you feel more confident that might not be such a good idea
Even if wearing dark clothing makes you feel more confident that might not be such a good idea
Last edited by CbadRider; 04-09-14 at 09:16 AM. Reason: Removed gun comment
04-08-14, 10:49 AM
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Consider carrying pepper spray for dogs. And while you're at it, learn to like them. I've done far more riding, walking, and hiking than most, and I've never been bitten by any dog I've encountered (but then again, I've always liked dogs). And I'll also mention that ignoring them is often your best defense.
Also realize that you should always strive to have a partner when you ride, walk, or hike in remote areas (this is what they call the buddy system). Doing so can save your life if you should happen to fall, suffer a medical emergency, or be injured in some way. This can not be overstressed.
Now about that anxiety; don't let your feelings and emotions control your life. You obviously have a lot more guts and strength than you might being giving yourself credit for.
Good luck, stay safe, and enjoy your rides!
Also realize that you should always strive to have a partner when you ride, walk, or hike in remote areas (this is what they call the buddy system). Doing so can save your life if you should happen to fall, suffer a medical emergency, or be injured in some way. This can not be overstressed.
Now about that anxiety; don't let your feelings and emotions control your life. You obviously have a lot more guts and strength than you might being giving yourself credit for.
Good luck, stay safe, and enjoy your rides!
Last edited by CbadRider; 04-09-14 at 09:17 AM. Reason: Removed gun comments
04-08-14, 04:32 PM
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There is nothing wrong with wearing dark clothing while cycling ... or walking. When I cycle alone, I tend to wear darker colours. I have a brown plaid jersey I like, I wear black jerseys, dark blue, dark green. Even my reflective vest was black and dark blue. I didn't start wearing hi-vis yellow stuff or anything in girly colours (pink) until I started cycling regularly with Rowan. On my own, I tried to make myself look as much like a guy as I could ... and often a frumpy guy in baggy clothes.
I do the same when I walk. I have big, bulky jackets I wear to make me look less like a small female.
However, at the same time, I pay attention to what's going on around me, and I'm prepared to take evasive action if necessary.
I do the same when I walk. I have big, bulky jackets I wear to make me look less like a small female.
However, at the same time, I pay attention to what's going on around me, and I'm prepared to take evasive action if necessary.
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Last edited by Machka; 04-08-14 at 06:41 PM.
04-08-14, 06:46 PM
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Regarding dogs, I’ve found that there are several methods to deal with them.
Dogs become a problem when there is more than one of them. As soon as there are two of them, they are much more dangerous. I’ve been “caught” by a pair who were hunting me like they would a deer, with one herding me into the other. In that case I ended up emptying my water bottle in the face of the one kind of behind me and riding my bicycle into the one kind of in front of me, and in the confusion, I sprinted away.
Regarding stupid teenagers … comments won’t hurt you. Ignore them. Pretend you haven’t heard them. People (and not just teenagers, unfortunately … some adults are stupid too) have yelled at me probably on average about once every 2 weeks during all the years I’ve been cycling. But I’ve only heard what they’ve said a very small percentage of the time. Most of the time they’ve been driving by too quickly for me to hear anything more than blah-blahdity-blah.
Regarding almost getting hit by a truck … you weren’t hit. So that’s a good thing! I’ve actually had more incidents with motorised vehicles while walking than while cycling. Twice I’ve been hit by someone who suddenly decided to back out of a parking spot in a shopping centre parking lot, and just yesterday, a very angry-looking man in a large SUV nearly cleaned up three of us at an intersection when he ran a red light just as the three of us were stepping into the intersection. But I’m not going to stop walking just because there’s are inattentive and distracted drivers out there. I’m just going to pay more attention.
So yes, as pdlamb says, focus on the good things. Most drivers are pretty good.
And I would recommend the following (possibly repeating the recommendations others have made):
- Most of the time a chasing dog is bored and wants to play. So I pretend that I’ve got a ball or stick in my hand, let the dog “see” that I’ve got something in my hand, and then I “throw” it. The dog gets all excited and goes chasing after what I’ve “thrown”, can’t find it, of course, and spends some time sniffing around looking for it. By then, I’m out of range and the dog is often distracted by something else. This method works most of the time.
- Screaming loudly (a really ear-piercing shriek) has halted a few dogs in their tracks.
- Shouting loudly has alerted a person on a farm that their dog is being a bother and they’ve called the dog off.
- Riding briskly to get beyond the dog’s territory works sometimes. But note that sometimes dogs like to run. On one ride, I had a cocker spaniel type dog run in the ditch beside me for a couple kilometres. I’ve had coyotes do that too. They aren’t interested in attacking me, they just want someone to run with.
- And once, when a really large dog came bolting toward me, I hopped off the bicycle and stood there with the bicycle between me and the dog. The dog stopped short and wandered off. I think I had suddenly become a human rather than some strange thing with wheels.
Dogs become a problem when there is more than one of them. As soon as there are two of them, they are much more dangerous. I’ve been “caught” by a pair who were hunting me like they would a deer, with one herding me into the other. In that case I ended up emptying my water bottle in the face of the one kind of behind me and riding my bicycle into the one kind of in front of me, and in the confusion, I sprinted away.
Regarding stupid teenagers … comments won’t hurt you. Ignore them. Pretend you haven’t heard them. People (and not just teenagers, unfortunately … some adults are stupid too) have yelled at me probably on average about once every 2 weeks during all the years I’ve been cycling. But I’ve only heard what they’ve said a very small percentage of the time. Most of the time they’ve been driving by too quickly for me to hear anything more than blah-blahdity-blah.
Regarding almost getting hit by a truck … you weren’t hit. So that’s a good thing! I’ve actually had more incidents with motorised vehicles while walking than while cycling. Twice I’ve been hit by someone who suddenly decided to back out of a parking spot in a shopping centre parking lot, and just yesterday, a very angry-looking man in a large SUV nearly cleaned up three of us at an intersection when he ran a red light just as the three of us were stepping into the intersection. But I’m not going to stop walking just because there’s are inattentive and distracted drivers out there. I’m just going to pay more attention.
So yes, as pdlamb says, focus on the good things. Most drivers are pretty good.
And I would recommend the following (possibly repeating the recommendations others have made):
- Get a good mirror, if you don’t have one already.
- Carry a mobile phone (I don’t have one and did most of my solo cycling without one, but they can be useful)
- Learn basic bicycle mechanics.
- Carry gear/equipment with you. Carry a warm jacket, leg warmers, headband, full-fingered gloves, several energy bars or other food, lots of water, tire changing tools, a multi-tool, lights, and maps. You might even carry a small first aid kit.
- Along the lines of the first aid kit, get first aid certified. I’ve been certified for about 20 years now, and so far the only person I’ve ever used my first aid information on is … me.
- You might also consider taking self-defence classes. I’ve taken one which was pretty good, and have considered taking more. And I worked for the post office for a while, and took their class about dealing with dogs. I don’t know if that sort of class is open to the public, but it might be worth looking into.
- If you’re going to carry pepper spray, use it before your next ride. Go outside, check the wind direction so it doesn’t spray back in your face, read the instructions on the can carefully, and then … spray. In a panic situation where a frothing dog is chomping at your ankles, you’re not going to have time to figure out how to work the pepper spray.
- Practice bicycle handling skills.
- Do get into weight lifting, developing your core, developing your speed, etc. as halcyon100 mentions. Doing that will make you more comfortable on the bicycle for longer distances anyway, but can also help if you suddenly need to sprint.
- Explore gradually ... try a road. If you don't like it for one reason or another, go back and try another road.
- If possible, get to know people along the way ... get to know the people who run the little grocery store in the next town, get to know the people who live over here or over there. That's one of the nice things about the country ... once you start getting to know people, you discover that your coworker's aunt lives at the end of this road, and your hairdressers cousin lives out that way. And next thing you know, your country rides are out among friends and family.
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04-08-14, 07:56 PM
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I'm surprised how many responses reflect cell phones as a option. Especially for a woman, but in reality for everyone out alone in the countryside I would consider a cell phone a necessity. If you were to get grazed by a car or suddenly have a medical or safety issue, you'd be in dire straits w/o one.
04-08-14, 08:13 PM
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Personally, I refuse to be a part of this "Culture of Fear and Paranoia" that keeps getting rammed down our throats. Life is life. People need to deal with it. Just my .02 worth.
04-08-14, 08:21 PM
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I'm surprised how many responses reflect cell phones as a option. Especially for a woman, but in reality for everyone out alone in the countryside I would consider a cell phone a necessity. If you were to get grazed by a car or suddenly have a medical or safety issue, you'd be in dire straits w/o one.
The other thing is ... who are you going to call? If you've got friends or family who are willing to come out and get you if something happens, then yes, maybe a mobile phone is a good idea. But if you don't have anyone who would hop in a car and drive 100 km out into the country to get you, a phone might be pointless.
I was cycling solo before mobile phones ... and/or when mobile phones where the size of bricks and only a small percent of the population had them. And I've never owned a mobile phone. So it doesn't occur to me to bring a phone when I ride.
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04-08-14, 08:24 PM
#48
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Seems like a horribly insensitive thing to say to a woman struggling with what might be perfectly valid fears. And if they're not valid, you're being even more insensitive. And might I say intolerant. Maybe you should take some classes...
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04-08-14, 08:26 PM
#49
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about dogs .... what has always worked with me is I charge and try to run it over .... you would be surprised how fast a dog will run once a bike is attacking them
04-08-14, 08:40 PM
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While a mobile phone might be a nice idea, there are many places where one will not work. I cycled alone in the Canadian Rockies when I lived in that part of the world ... and there was no mobile phone service. There is no phone service of any sort in many parts of the Rockies.
The other thing is ... who are you going to call? If you've got friends or family who are willing to come out and get you if something happens, then yes, maybe a mobile phone is a good idea. But if you don't have anyone who would hop in a car and drive 100 km out into the country to get you, a phone might be pointless.
I was cycling solo before mobile phones ... and/or when mobile phones where the size of bricks and only a small percent of the population had them. And I've never owned a mobile phone. So it doesn't occur to me to bring a phone when I ride.
The other thing is ... who are you going to call? If you've got friends or family who are willing to come out and get you if something happens, then yes, maybe a mobile phone is a good idea. But if you don't have anyone who would hop in a car and drive 100 km out into the country to get you, a phone might be pointless.
I was cycling solo before mobile phones ... and/or when mobile phones where the size of bricks and only a small percent of the population had them. And I've never owned a mobile phone. So it doesn't occur to me to bring a phone when I ride.