Riding through the "ghetto"
10-16-10, 10:16 PM
#26
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I'd really think twice about getting/pulling a pistol in front of a gang - really? You might hit one of them, but they'll make sure you're dead if you shoot.
I'm not saying that carrying a gun is for everyone, but I certainly do not understand how anyone can just put their life in the hands of people who are attacking them. You really trust them not to kill you anyway?
10-16-10, 10:16 PM
#27
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Do tricks as you go by to entertain them: wheelies, endos, bunnyhops etc.
Samaurai swords strapped to your back...?
Mini-gatling gun mounted to a trail-a-bike...?
If it were heavy metal music instead would you feel better?
Yes, be confident, and wise in where you position your bike as you pass. Not too close and watch for approaching people, you do not want to stop. Take a different route if you feel threatened.
In all honesty you are probably just part of the urban landscape to them. Something to look at, much like various passing cars. Besides, you know where to find them if you have to return with the cops. Get a helmet cam.
Samaurai swords strapped to your back...?
Mini-gatling gun mounted to a trail-a-bike...?
If it were heavy metal music instead would you feel better?
Yes, be confident, and wise in where you position your bike as you pass. Not too close and watch for approaching people, you do not want to stop. Take a different route if you feel threatened.
In all honesty you are probably just part of the urban landscape to them. Something to look at, much like various passing cars. Besides, you know where to find them if you have to return with the cops. Get a helmet cam.
10-16-10, 10:26 PM
#28
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I just don't like this idea. I'd never draw my weapon if I didn't fear for my life, or someone else's life, but how does anyone just put their life in the hands of a bunch of thugs? By choosing not to defend yourself, that is exactly what you are doing.
I'm not saying that carrying a gun is for everyone, but I certainly do not understand how anyone can just put their life in the hands of people who are attacking them. You really trust them not to kill you anyway?
I'm not saying that carrying a gun is for everyone, but I certainly do not understand how anyone can just put their life in the hands of people who are attacking them. You really trust them not to kill you anyway?
Either way, it's an escalation from a simple confrontation. Your gun is simply an illusion of safety in that situation.
10-16-10, 10:39 PM
#29
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1. Stay on well lit, well traveled, high traffic streets.
2. Keep a zip lock bag with cornstartch in it in your jersey pocket and toss it if they chase you. They will think it contains drugs and stop to check it out.
2. Keep a zip lock bag with cornstartch in it in your jersey pocket and toss it if they chase you. They will think it contains drugs and stop to check it out.
10-16-10, 10:39 PM
#30
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Getting into a gun fight with a gang is bad, drawing your weapon is either a stupid bluff since, if you fail to use it the gang may beat you within an inch of your life or you shoot and they return fire - you'll probably get hit(you're on a bicycle).
Either way, it's an escalation from a simple confrontation. Your gun is simply an illusion of safety in that situation.
Either way, it's an escalation from a simple confrontation. Your gun is simply an illusion of safety in that situation.
You have to be more realistic about this. Well, I guess you don't. But I will.
10-16-10, 11:02 PM
#32
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It is not an escalation from a simple confrontation. I am not advocating that, as I said. A simple confrontation is hopefully handled without any weapons. But, if you are attacked, really attacked, what do you do? If a group of people are kicking the s**t out of you, do you reach for your handlebars and hope that maybe, just maybe, you can ring your f-ing bell?
You have to be more realistic about this. Well, I guess you don't. But I will.
You have to be more realistic about this. Well, I guess you don't. But I will.
10-16-10, 11:16 PM
#33
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It is not an escalation from a simple confrontation. I am not advocating that, as I said. A simple confrontation is hopefully handled without any weapons. But, if you are attacked, really attacked, what do you do? If a group of people are kicking the s**t out of you, do you reach for your handlebars and hope that maybe, just maybe, you can ring your f-ing bell?
You have to be more realistic about this. Well, I guess you don't. But I will.
You have to be more realistic about this. Well, I guess you don't. But I will.
If you're into guns, practice shooting regularly and *like* carrying one that is a different discussion.
For me personally the only time I'd want a gun is when it was a matter of life or death. Frankly, the likelihood of getting attacked and killed while riding through a sketchy neighborhood around here is almost nil. The chance of getting mugged? Yeah, that's a possibility. A gun in that instance could easily make a bad situation even worse. I'd rather hand over my laptop and wallet than kill somebody. Even worse would be if one of them ended up with my gun.
Last edited by tjspiel; 10-16-10 at 11:25 PM.
10-16-10, 11:27 PM
#34
----
There are no guarantees of safety anywhere. I've had commutes that go through neighborhoods that have been going through such a spate of shootings that there were makeshift memorials along my route at playgrounds and basketball courts. One night as I went through an intersection that I'd been particularly anxious about- a liquor store with always a ton of guys hanging outside of it. Naturally, that's the place where as I'm bombing through my lock flies out of my milk crate and lands in the middle of the road. As I turn my bike around to pick it up the biggest, toughest guy in the bunch walks out into the road, stops the traffic, picks up my bike lock and hands it to me.
Just sayin'... maybe it could've been different but one never knows.
Just sayin'... maybe it could've been different but one never knows.
10-16-10, 11:36 PM
#35
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It is not an escalation from a simple confrontation. I am not advocating that, as I said. A simple confrontation is hopefully handled without any weapons. But, if you are attacked, really attacked, what do you do? If a group of people are kicking the s**t out of you, do you reach for your handlebars and hope that maybe, just maybe, you can ring your f-ing bell?
You have to be more realistic about this. Well, I guess you don't. But I will.
You have to be more realistic about this. Well, I guess you don't. But I will.
Hahaha
10-16-10, 11:51 PM
#38
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Being realistic is weighing all the hassles/dangers of carrying a gun against the likelihood of finding yourself in a situation where it would be appropriate to use one and managing to use it successfully.
If you're into guns, practice shooting regularly and *like* carrying one that is a different discussion.
For me personally the only time I'd want a gun is when it was a matter of life or death. Frankly, the likelihood of getting attacked and killed while riding through a sketchy neighborhood around here is almost nil. The chance of getting mugged? Yeah, that's a possibility. A gun in that instance could easily make a bad situation even worse. I'd rather hand over my laptop and wallet than kill somebody. Even worse would be if one of them ended up with my gun.
If you're into guns, practice shooting regularly and *like* carrying one that is a different discussion.
For me personally the only time I'd want a gun is when it was a matter of life or death. Frankly, the likelihood of getting attacked and killed while riding through a sketchy neighborhood around here is almost nil. The chance of getting mugged? Yeah, that's a possibility. A gun in that instance could easily make a bad situation even worse. I'd rather hand over my laptop and wallet than kill somebody. Even worse would be if one of them ended up with my gun.
I said I'd avoid the area, and if I absolutely had to go through there, I'd arm myself with pepper spray and a gun. If that is even legal there.
You are making things up. No one said anything about being mugged for a laptop and pulling a gun on them. If you had bothered to read my initial post, or the one after, you would see that. If you want to comment on what I write, great. But why does everyone want to read the beginning of a post and then create their own diatribe about it, caring not about the actual message?
10-17-10, 12:07 AM
#40
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There are no guarantees of safety anywhere. I've had commutes that go through neighborhoods that have been going through such a spate of shootings that there were makeshift memorials along my route at playgrounds and basketball courts. One night as I went through an intersection that I'd been particularly anxious about- a liquor store with always a ton of guys hanging outside of it. Naturally, that's the place where as I'm bombing through my lock flies out of my milk crate and lands in the middle of the road. As I turn my bike around to pick it up the biggest, toughest guy in the bunch walks out into the road, stops the traffic, picks up my bike lock and hands it to me.
Just sayin'... maybe it could've been different but one never knows.
Just sayin'... maybe it could've been different but one never knows.
10-17-10, 05:00 AM
#41
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Thanks for all the advice guys. I dont think carrying a gun is quite my cup of tea but pepper spray does sound like a good idea in case something does goes down.
Unfortunately avoiding the area is not possible for me since UNLV is located smack dab in one of the worst parts of town (if not THE worst).
You'd think that an institution of higher education would be located somewhere nice, but nope! I guess it wouldnt be Vegas if my commute didnt include passing by crack heads and streetwalkers
Unfortunately avoiding the area is not possible for me since UNLV is located smack dab in one of the worst parts of town (if not THE worst).
You'd think that an institution of higher education would be located somewhere nice, but nope! I guess it wouldnt be Vegas if my commute didnt include passing by crack heads and streetwalkers
10-17-10, 05:51 AM
#42
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Yes.
+1000
Rough parts of town are relative. I ride my bike in parts of LA and Long Beach that most people would not think about driving through without problems. I mind my own business and ignore the crap (usually compliments and "You go girl" kind of stuff) that people tend to holler at me. I also think if I am in these areas riding, it may make others consider doing so themselves.
+1000
Rough parts of town are relative. I ride my bike in parts of LA and Long Beach that most people would not think about driving through without problems. I mind my own business and ignore the crap (usually compliments and "You go girl" kind of stuff) that people tend to holler at me. I also think if I am in these areas riding, it may make others consider doing so themselves.
That said, I ride fast, stay sharp, carry pepper spray, have invested in good puncture-resistant tires (conti 4-seasons) and would not dare to venture a single block away from the arterial, nor ride there after dark.
Good Luck
SF
10-17-10, 09:32 AM
#43
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I remember last year a BF member started a thread here about how he got knocked off his bike and roughed up while some others from the group of assailants made off with his ride. If memory serves, he got his bike back from a guy who bought it from the thief, and he even got his medical expenses covered by generous donations from sympathetic BF members. Even though his story had a somewhat happy ending, I'm sure there are both physical and emotional scars left from the incident.
His story left me somewhat shaken and even though crime levels here in my conservative Canadian hometown pale in comparison to what he faced, I took his experience to heart: I make sure to vary my route, keep a vigilant eye out for questionable groups/individuals, and always try to give myself an escape route. I believe that violence begets violence so, while I am willing to defend myself and my property, I leave the pepper spray and the Glock at home. I also keep in mind that no bike is worth my life and they can have it (and my wallet, phone, etc.) if it comes to that.
His story left me somewhat shaken and even though crime levels here in my conservative Canadian hometown pale in comparison to what he faced, I took his experience to heart: I make sure to vary my route, keep a vigilant eye out for questionable groups/individuals, and always try to give myself an escape route. I believe that violence begets violence so, while I am willing to defend myself and my property, I leave the pepper spray and the Glock at home. I also keep in mind that no bike is worth my life and they can have it (and my wallet, phone, etc.) if it comes to that.
10-17-10, 09:48 AM
#44
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Getting into a gun fight with a gang is bad, drawing your weapon is either a stupid bluff since, if you fail to use it the gang may beat you within an inch of your life or you shoot and they return fire - you'll probably get hit(you're on a bicycle).
Either way, it's an escalation from a simple confrontation. Your gun is simply an illusion of safety in that situation.
Either way, it's an escalation from a simple confrontation. Your gun is simply an illusion of safety in that situation.
The folks who choose to carry a weapon legally, are not going to draw their weapon until they feel their (or someone else's) life is being threatened. At that point it is not an escalation, but defense. The "gang" members have to be acting in a life threatening way before they will even know you are carrying a gun.
Those who don't carry seem to believe that those who do are willing to flash the gun at the drop of a hat. Which just goes to show they probably shouldn't carry. Those who do, understand the liability associated with carrying and generally will avoid confrontations of any kind. In short, those who carry are usually more willing to "walk away" rather than get into a confrontation in the first place. However, when such a confrontation is foisted on them, they are prepared to defend theirs (or their loved ones) lives.
10-17-10, 11:15 AM
#45
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Find the brightest, most obvious earbuds your local dollar stores carry, drop the plug in your pocket, and wear them. If somebody keeps talking anyway, sing. Worked like a charm when I had to ride the bus in Dallas.
My daily-carry-and-jogging .357, haven't figured out a good way to carry it when I'm riding more than a mile or two, though;
For riding, I usually borrow my wife's P32;
Doesn't look like much, but it will put that 10 round mag into a small target at 5-10 yards pretty fast.
For riding, I usually borrow my wife's P32;
Doesn't look like much, but it will put that 10 round mag into a small target at 5-10 yards pretty fast.
10-17-10, 12:10 PM
#46
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I remember last year a BF member started a thread here about how he got knocked off his bike and roughed up while some others from the group of assailants made off with his ride. If memory serves, he got his bike back from a guy who bought it from the thief, and he even got his medical expenses covered by generous donations from sympathetic BF members. Even though his story had a somewhat happy ending, I'm sure there are both physical and emotional scars left from the incident.
His story left me somewhat shaken and even though crime levels here in my conservative Canadian hometown pale in comparison to what he faced, I took his experience to heart: I make sure to vary my route, keep a vigilant eye out for questionable groups/individuals, and always try to give myself an escape route. I believe that violence begets violence so, while I am willing to defend myself and my property, I leave the pepper spray and the Glock at home. I also keep in mind that no bike is worth my life and they can have it (and my wallet, phone, etc.) if it comes to that.
His story left me somewhat shaken and even though crime levels here in my conservative Canadian hometown pale in comparison to what he faced, I took his experience to heart: I make sure to vary my route, keep a vigilant eye out for questionable groups/individuals, and always try to give myself an escape route. I believe that violence begets violence so, while I am willing to defend myself and my property, I leave the pepper spray and the Glock at home. I also keep in mind that no bike is worth my life and they can have it (and my wallet, phone, etc.) if it comes to that.
10-17-10, 12:18 PM
#47
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Somehow commuting by bicycle and carrying a handgun aren't connected. Only in america perhaps?
If I had to carry a hand-gun to ride my bicycle to work I would consider alternative methods - there is always an option.
Good luck carrying your hidden pistols around, personally I think your ego is writing cheques your ass will eventually have to cash.
If I had to carry a hand-gun to ride my bicycle to work I would consider alternative methods - there is always an option.
Good luck carrying your hidden pistols around, personally I think your ego is writing cheques your ass will eventually have to cash.
10-17-10, 12:30 PM
#48
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Avoid, said area or carry some form of protection. Its unfortuanate society has become more violent. I would gladly give up my wallet or bike if threatened with my life, if it were that simple. You can assume the assailant(s) will let you live after you've given them what they want...but, what if your wrong.
It seems the latter scenario is more likely these days. Case in point, the recent tragedy involving the home invasion of the Petit family. I'm sure we all know the details of this horrific incident and the tragic outcome.
I will make every effort to avoid trouble but if trouble finds me, at least I will have the tools to defend myself.
It seems the latter scenario is more likely these days. Case in point, the recent tragedy involving the home invasion of the Petit family. I'm sure we all know the details of this horrific incident and the tragic outcome.
I will make every effort to avoid trouble but if trouble finds me, at least I will have the tools to defend myself.
10-17-10, 12:35 PM
#49
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My barrio has its own feel and flow. I usually know pretty quick if something is a bit off. You can tell by a vehicle's make or bling if it belongs to the neighborhood. A group where there is not usually a group and a lack of the always present abulitas will cause me to change my route mid stream.
That said I have never been hassled seriously while on my commute. I ride in plain ole' clothes and no helmet.
That said I have never been hassled seriously while on my commute. I ride in plain ole' clothes and no helmet.
10-17-10, 01:45 PM
#50
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I would avoid riding through the worst areas of my town. Too many stories around here of people getting beaten, shot, struck on the head with bear bottles... just for their pocket change. They are saying gang activity is on the rise here... I wouldn't even risk it.
I had to look that up. You rode 6 miles on that thing?!
When my son was a small child, we would often take the train to visit my parents in the East Bay. The train lets off in a slightly rough area of Hayward. We would ride the 6 miles to my parents' house on a Whymcycle (scooter with the rear hub eccentric), which makes one look like a bunny rabbit. People would literally stop in mid-drug-deal to point and laugh. That was much safer than cycling in the suburbs.