Pepper Spray

[michaelbiker]

So I've been reading week after week about cyclists getting attacked on the road and on the trail, and while its not always feasible, it seems the best thing is to ride in larger groups.

 

Some people carry pepper spray and I was thinking about doing the same, but before I go out and buy a can, can anybody here comment on its effectiveness? I mean if someone attacks you on the trail, its unlikely they are going to just slowly walk up to you, knife-in-hand and give you time. The would most probably jump out of the bushes or knock you off of your bike. Has anybody here successfully chased a would-be mugger with pepper spray before? What was the situation?

[Hairy]

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/132893-pepper-spray/page__hl__pepper+spray

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/125730-pepper-spray-anyone-used-it/page__hl__pepper+spray

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/125343-who-sells-swat-pepper-spray-in-cape-town-southern-suburbs/page__hl__pepper+spray

[luckystriker]

There are two types of spray. One is a direct jet shooting about 5m, even in a strong wind. I have tried this, it works. The other is a spray which I think is pretty useless for a Capetonian, given the wind. I think vigilence is the best protection.

[DJR]

.................. Has anybody here successfully chased a would-be mugger with pepper spray before? What was the situation?

 

No, but there seem to be some fellow Capies who successfully chased down and sprayed a driver ...... and caused a lot of trouble..........

[michaelbiker]

No, but there seem to be some fellow Capies who successfully chased down and sprayed a driver ...... and caused a lot of trouble..........

 

Yeah, I saw that. Went out for a road ride yesterday afternoon and drivers seem to be a little more aggro than usual now. Hooting and making comments. Not sure if its from all the cyclists on the roads before the Argus or as a result of that incident.