Cycling and Self defence

[Redline]

hey guys,

 

I have contemplated this topic for a while now, and would like your opinion. Especially some of the legal eagles among us

I almost always cycle in closed off perimeter ala NF, mtn cycle park, harties etc... but even these "safe" places, aren't safe anymore. I have insurance, so i don't really give a crap if they take the bike or or my cheap speedo BUT I fear for my wife's safety as well as mine. So, do you arm yourself, and with what?

 

Knife or a baton is light and small to consele, easy to draw but we know how the saying goes...

 

Gun? A bloke with a 9mm on the thigh does command respect but to be realistic one have to thing of a small caliber, .22 pistol - which could still kill which will result in you going to jail and with the new justice minister's comments its going to be a rough ride... no pun intended.

side note: Wife safety vs jail? I know ill be glad I had the gun

 

Pepper spray - Actually more effective than most people thing, you get nice clips for them to fit on your handle bars but I have not used on before and I don't think it is a draw an spray within milliseconds

 

Pepper gun - VERY effective, added bonus of having some reach.. but it is bulky and cumbersome and I have heard about issues with the co2 canisters

 

 

what is your thoughts?

[Tankman]

stop cycling in your speedo, that is what is attracting the criminals in the first place

[Cassie]

Tazer..set to max!!

 

aim for the balls...

[MTB_Roadie]

never mind the balls...taze his face,keep that button in till the battery dies!

[pastapouch]

You're sitting with a problem that everyone of us are. They have the first move on you, riding with a gun... by the time you aim for your tazer, gun, knife, you're dead.

[Joe Low]

My thoughts is that this gets discussed every week - have a search and see.

 

I like the mini-flamethrower pepper spray & a kwik kick to the assailants' nuts; but i watch too much pseudo-violence on TV so this approach could be a death sentence, who knows.

[Thumper]

Tazer strapped to bike versus already drawn 9mm ..... I dont like my odds.

Edited November 12, 2010 by Thumper

[The Saint]

I have pepper spray which attaches to my seat post via a Velcro pouch - thank goodness I have never had to use it

[mark ellis]

stop cycling in your speedo, that is what is attracting the criminals in the first place

 

one cup of perfect coffee just expelled through my nose onto laptop, my IT department thanks you!

[Brian Fantana]

I have pepper spray which attaches to my seat post via a Velcro pouch - thank goodness I have never had to use it

Can you please paste a link to the poduct you are using? I am looking for a pouch or clip that can attach to my seatpost.

[Brighter-Lights]

Stephan, ek't 'n rubber wat met velcro vaskom... kan werk ma die 120ml SWAT sal 2 nodig he...

[gummibear]

A nice sharp Spyderco has many uses ;-)

[Guest Big H]

I have pepper spray which attaches to my seat post via a Velcro pouch - thank goodness I have never had to use it

 

Beware when the pepper spray goes off accidentally and you have the Power Balance Band attached...... it may nuke your balls!!!!!!!!

[scotty]

My thoughts is that this gets discussed every week - have a search and see.

 

I like the mini-flamethrower pepper spray & a kwik kick to the assailants' nuts; but i watch too much pseudo-violence on TV so this approach could be a death sentence, who knows.

 

I hope you took tips last saturday

[Gumpole]

i think you stand no chance against somebody who has the element of surprise who will take your weapon away, and if they are feeling vindictive spray you with it!

 

cycle in big(ger) groups or outside of RSA/ Gauteng

[Pappa Bear]

Here is my thoughts:

 

STAY OUT OF DANGEROUS AREAS

RUNNING / CYCLING AWAY IS ALWAYS AND ALWAYST HE FIRST OPTION

 

Failing the above keep the following in mind:

 

1) You need to know what you are going to do BEFORE you get in to a situation. Thus you need to decide today if you will shoot the guy, stab or club him.... when you are on the trail you must DO and not try and decide there.

2) Club vs. knife - I wil go for a baton as it is "less leathal" and "quicker acting" Result of a blow is instant - no bleeding out time.....

3) My preffer ranking: Pepper Spray, Baton, gun, knife

4) Obvisoly you need to know how to use your weapon otherwise it is useless and might be more dangerous

5) Whatch out for adrenaline dump as this will make you freeze (Adrenaline slow the mind, increase blood flow, tense your muscles etc.)

 

Self defence is not as easy as peolpe think it is - unless you have been in a simaler situation a couple of times sucessfully defending yourself is unlikely.

 

remember the following:

 

STAY OUT OF DANGEROUS AREAS

RUNNING / CYCLING AWAY IS ALWAYS THE FIRST OPTION