Safety
#1
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Safety
after the tragic murder of the 2 cyclists in Mexico recently, I thought of a question.
do you think it is safer to travel on routes that aren’t well publicized and used very often for touring or vise versa?
do you think it is safer to travel on routes that aren’t well publicized and used very often for touring or vise versa?
#2
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I'm not too worried about the people in the USA, Canada, or most of Europe. The bigger risk would be accidents, and low traffic routes would be best for riding safety.
I'm not sure about touring in Mexico, Central, and South America. Or other 3rd world nations. There would likely be benefits of staying in hotels, or at least organized campgrounds rather than attempting to wild camp.
I'm not sure about touring in Mexico, Central, and South America. Or other 3rd world nations. There would likely be benefits of staying in hotels, or at least organized campgrounds rather than attempting to wild camp.
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It is difficult to tell where/ when crime lurks, The area where the two tourists were killed is really crime ridden (highly recommend avoiding extreme southern Mexico) I had been reading Brian Becker's journal on crazy guy on a bike (he was in she same area), and had two bandits come out from the roadside wielding large sticks. He was lucky to get away with some bruises on his back, a dented fender and wheel out of true.
#5
bicycle tourist
As others have mentioned, I think it is very context dependent based on country and even regions within a country. I also agree that motor vehicle traffic plays a huge role on risks.
While travel warnings need to be taken with grain of salt(*), I have usually looked at both U.S. State Department and UK foreign ministry prior to my travels. For example here is UK security advice for the USA: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-ad...y-and-security with some pretty specific advice about the Orlando airport and general advice for British motorists to "try to stay on main roads and use well-lit car parks. If you’re hit while driving, indicate to the other driver to follow you to a public place and call 911 for the police." when in the USA.
What I like about the UK are some of their maps. For example Colombia
As a whole, I believe Colombia is lower risk now than several years ago (and of its reputation based on that time). Risks do vary in different parts of the country and occasional incidents were reported close to my travels (e.g. an Italian roadside holdup on the FB Alaska to Patagonia group in ~Feb 2017 a few months before I cycled in April/May 2017 and a foreign kidnapping near the Panama border when I was in the country). Overall I tried to stay in green zones including that main road from Popayan/Pasto/Ipiales but didn't pay as much attention to route close to Medellin.
Official travel summaries, cyclist journals, internet news were all factors for reasons beyond just security that I took into account on my travels and then adjusted accordingly. One can still have wrong place/wrong time incidents most anywhere but I had my antenna up extra if there were advisories or recent incidents in an area. One approach was sometimes taking a more direct route through riskier area (often more direct was larger roads but not always) but it also sometimes meant some care in where I stayed (camping/hotel/etc).
(*) - correlation analysis between travel warnings and incidents: https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-...rican-tourists
While travel warnings need to be taken with grain of salt(*), I have usually looked at both U.S. State Department and UK foreign ministry prior to my travels. For example here is UK security advice for the USA: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-ad...y-and-security with some pretty specific advice about the Orlando airport and general advice for British motorists to "try to stay on main roads and use well-lit car parks. If you’re hit while driving, indicate to the other driver to follow you to a public place and call 911 for the police." when in the USA.
What I like about the UK are some of their maps. For example Colombia
As a whole, I believe Colombia is lower risk now than several years ago (and of its reputation based on that time). Risks do vary in different parts of the country and occasional incidents were reported close to my travels (e.g. an Italian roadside holdup on the FB Alaska to Patagonia group in ~Feb 2017 a few months before I cycled in April/May 2017 and a foreign kidnapping near the Panama border when I was in the country). Overall I tried to stay in green zones including that main road from Popayan/Pasto/Ipiales but didn't pay as much attention to route close to Medellin.
Official travel summaries, cyclist journals, internet news were all factors for reasons beyond just security that I took into account on my travels and then adjusted accordingly. One can still have wrong place/wrong time incidents most anywhere but I had my antenna up extra if there were advisories or recent incidents in an area. One approach was sometimes taking a more direct route through riskier area (often more direct was larger roads but not always) but it also sometimes meant some care in where I stayed (camping/hotel/etc).
(*) - correlation analysis between travel warnings and incidents: https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-...rican-tourists
Last edited by mev; 05-15-18 at 06:46 PM.
#6
Senior Member
It depends on the region. I have no qualms about most places in Asia-Pacific. I'd avoid Mindanao, and some parts of Sumatra, but that would be about it.
#7
Every day a winding road
I'm not too worried about the people in the USA, Canada, or most of Europe. The bigger risk would be accidents, and low traffic routes would be best for riding safety.
I'm not sure about touring in Mexico, Central, and South America. Or other 3rd world nations. There would likely be benefits of staying in hotels, or at least organized campgrounds rather than attempting to wild camp.
I'm not sure about touring in Mexico, Central, and South America. Or other 3rd world nations. There would likely be benefits of staying in hotels, or at least organized campgrounds rather than attempting to wild camp.
#8
Senior Member
No issues in New England for me, most folks are nice enough. My experience is that people find folks riding a bike are approachable and not that threatening.
#9
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Having taken main roads , direct routes , where it felt safer simply because more people are around, but then you get the "more traffic" issue, which is really the much higher risk of killing you....
In quiet , far off country roads, its , well, quiet, which is nice, but then would make it a lot easier to rob someone with hardly anyone around.
But then you get to see "real life" and meet wonderful people.
Not an easy answer here Mr or Mrs new to the forum person.
touch wood touch wood touch wood
so have you toured before? Have you been on the forum before? What are your thoughts on the question from your experience travelling, if you have travelled that is.
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#11
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As the world becomes more dangerous and chaotic it is wise to rethink touring plans. The English speaking countries are generally safe, as are Scandinavia and Northern Europe. The rest of the planet is less safe but it varies.
Even in the good old USA , there are bad places. Avoid the border regions and the inner cities.
In some places touring cyclist are seen as an easy mark, and they travel on predetermined routes, it is pretty easy to set up an ambush. Maybe take the bus on those places.
Even in the good old USA , there are bad places. Avoid the border regions and the inner cities.
In some places touring cyclist are seen as an easy mark, and they travel on predetermined routes, it is pretty easy to set up an ambush. Maybe take the bus on those places.
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Could be either. As others have mentioned, I am touring in areas that I'm not worrying about people intentionally harming me, so I'd stick to side routes because cars are a far bigger worry. If I were in an area where I were truly worried about intentional harm, mugging, kidnapping, etc., I'm not riding myself around on a bike, but if I were dumb enough to, I would be sticking to main routes.
I would highly doubt the places one is worrying about an ambush are also places that see touring cyclists in any number.
I would highly doubt the places one is worrying about an ambush are also places that see touring cyclists in any number.
#13
Senior Member
Could be either. As others have mentioned, I am touring in areas that I'm not worrying about people intentionally harming me, so I'd stick to side routes because cars are a far bigger worry. If I were in an area where I were truly worried about intentional harm, mugging, kidnapping, etc., I'm not riding myself around on a bike, but if I were dumb enough to, I would be sticking to main routes.
I would highly doubt the places one is worrying about an ambush are also places that see touring cyclists in any number.
I would highly doubt the places one is worrying about an ambush are also places that see touring cyclists in any number.
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Care to exit trolldom and join the regulars here?
Then perhaps the next time you post, you would care to provide sensible context - as opposed to vague remarks like yours "the tragic murder of the 2 cyclists in Mexico"...
By the way, what made said murder tragic?
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If I avoided touring in "inner cities" I would never be able to start and/or end a tour at my house, which I have done countless times without incident, including just last weekend. Walked back to my downtown office a few minutes ago and just happened to see a woman riding solo fully loaded. Only place someone tried to steal anything from me was in Dubois, WY.
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If I avoided touring in "inner cities" I would never be able to start and/or end a tour at my house, which I have done countless times without incident, including just last weekend. Walked back to my downtown office a few minutes ago and just happened to see a woman riding solo fully loaded. Only place someone tried to steal anything from me was in Dubois, WY.
I used to ride through some pretty sketch parts of Pontiac, which is no green field of a place. Probably worse that Detroit on the whole for crime. Never once felt in danger.
#17
Every day a winding road
If I avoided touring in "inner cities" I would never be able to start and/or end a tour at my house, which I have done countless times without incident, including just last weekend. Walked back to my downtown office a few minutes ago and just happened to see a woman riding solo fully loaded. Only place someone tried to steal anything from me was in Dubois, WY.
I ride through neighborhoods all the time in Pittsburgh that I have been told by other people I should not be riding there. But I am used to it and know the neighborhoods, never had an issue.
#18
Member
As the world becomes more dangerous and chaotic it is wise to rethink touring plans. The English speaking countries are generally safe, as are Scandinavia and Northern Europe. The rest of the planet is less safe but it varies.
Even in the good old USA , there are bad places. Avoid the border regions and the inner cities.
In some places touring cyclist are seen as an easy mark, and they travel on predetermined routes, it is pretty easy to set up an ambush. Maybe take the bus on those places.
Even in the good old USA , there are bad places. Avoid the border regions and the inner cities.
In some places touring cyclist are seen as an easy mark, and they travel on predetermined routes, it is pretty easy to set up an ambush. Maybe take the bus on those places.
I don't know why this cycling forum attracts so many folks who seem to be irrationally afraid of so much of the world. Other cycling forums than I know have a much higher percentage of more adventurous folks. Sure, there are plenty of places where I wouldn't venture to at this time (e.g. Syria, Yemen, Venezuela). But there is so much of the world which is wonderful to see and experience, and I feel lucky that I've been able to see some of those places.
#19
Senior Member
As the world becomes more dangerous and chaotic it is wise to rethink touring plans. The English speaking countries are generally safe, as are Scandinavia and Northern Europe. The rest of the planet is less safe but it varies.
Even in the good old USA , there are bad places. Avoid the border regions and the inner cities.
In some places touring cyclist are seen as an easy mark, and they travel on predetermined routes, it is pretty easy to set up an ambush. Maybe take the bus on those places.
Even in the good old USA , there are bad places. Avoid the border regions and the inner cities.
In some places touring cyclist are seen as an easy mark, and they travel on predetermined routes, it is pretty easy to set up an ambush. Maybe take the bus on those places.
#20
Senior Member
A couple of of years ago, I was in Whitefish MT, near the northern terminus of the American portion of the Great Divide Mountain Cycling Route. The local rag had a long and interesting article about the increase in Border Patrol agents necessary to deal with increased border incursions from Canada, in the wilderness areas of the mountains around Glacier Park. Suspected jihadists , from Canada, there are madrassas in Canada and one of the big cities even has a Muslim mayor.
Not a huge risk but something to keep in mind. It’s possible start from Whitefish if you’re riding the Divide. Better safe than sorry.
#22
Senior Member
I know I'm feeding the thread starter troll (who I suspect is a sockpuppet), but you've painted the world with an extremely wide brush. Have you ever toured in any countries other than "English speaking" and "Northern Europe"? I've toured in quite a few developing countries, and the few problems I've had were mainly in western Europe. One of the places where I felt the absolute safest was Chile. I do quite a bit of research before I choose a destination, as well as for selecting my routes. When I toured in Sri Lanka, the civil war was still going on there. But guide books, websites, ex-pats on the ground, and recent tourists all said that they felt quite safe and that fighting was restricted to two small portions of the country which were easily avoided. I never felt the slightest bit of danger or even discomfort while I was there. Some of the roads weren't in great condition (but others were fine), however it was one of my favorite destinations.
There was a thread started by the heroin-obsessed guy with a link for a map of Latin America marked at places where there had been incidents reported by cyclists. There appeared to be a hotspot along the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia. (Please note that it's spelled Colombia, not Columbia. Unfortunately this seems to be a common error.) I've been to Colombia and I hope to return. There are some parts of that beautiful country which I would avoid, but large portions which I'm eager to visit, both on and off my bike.
I don't know why this cycling forum attracts so many folks who seem to be irrationally afraid of so much of the world. Other cycling forums than I know have a much higher percentage of more adventurous folks. Sure, there are plenty of places where I wouldn't venture to at this time (e.g. Syria, Yemen, Venezuela). But there is so much of the world which is wonderful to see and experience, and I feel lucky that I've been able to see some of those places.
There was a thread started by the heroin-obsessed guy with a link for a map of Latin America marked at places where there had been incidents reported by cyclists. There appeared to be a hotspot along the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia. (Please note that it's spelled Colombia, not Columbia. Unfortunately this seems to be a common error.) I've been to Colombia and I hope to return. There are some parts of that beautiful country which I would avoid, but large portions which I'm eager to visit, both on and off my bike.
I don't know why this cycling forum attracts so many folks who seem to be irrationally afraid of so much of the world. Other cycling forums than I know have a much higher percentage of more adventurous folks. Sure, there are plenty of places where I wouldn't venture to at this time (e.g. Syria, Yemen, Venezuela). But there is so much of the world which is wonderful to see and experience, and I feel lucky that I've been able to see some of those places.
i was planning to do the Baja Divide, but since it has been publicized, there have been a spate of robberies. Touring cyclists are easy prey. If cyclists want to tour in these countries, they should do their due diligence and be aware of the risks. That is all I am saying.
#23
Senior Member
I know I'm feeding the thread starter troll (who I suspect is a sockpuppet), but you've painted the world with an extremely wide brush. Have you ever toured in any countries other than "English speaking" and "Northern Europe"? I've toured in quite a few developing countries, and the few problems I've had were mainly in western Europe. One of the places where I felt the absolute safest was Chile. I do quite a bit of research before I choose a destination, as well as for selecting my routes. When I toured in Sri Lanka, the civil war was still going on there. But guide books, websites, ex-pats on the ground, and recent tourists all said that they felt quite safe and that fighting was restricted to two small portions of the country which were easily avoided. I never felt the slightest bit of danger or even discomfort while I was there. Some of the roads weren't in great condition (but others were fine), however it was one of my favorite destinations.
There was a thread started by the heroin-obsessed guy with a link for a map of Latin America marked at places where there had been incidents reported by cyclists. There appeared to be a hotspot along the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia. (Please note that it's spelled Colombia, not Columbia. Unfortunately this seems to be a common error.) I've been to Colombia and I hope to return. There are some parts of that beautiful country which I would avoid, but large portions which I'm eager to visit, both on and off my bike.
I don't know why this cycling forum attracts so many folks who seem to be irrationally afraid of so much of the world. Other cycling forums than I know have a much higher percentage of more adventurous folks. Sure, there are plenty of places where I wouldn't venture to at this time (e.g. Syria, Yemen, Venezuela). But there is so much of the world which is wonderful to see and experience, and I feel lucky that I've been able to see some of those places.
There was a thread started by the heroin-obsessed guy with a link for a map of Latin America marked at places where there had been incidents reported by cyclists. There appeared to be a hotspot along the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia. (Please note that it's spelled Colombia, not Columbia. Unfortunately this seems to be a common error.) I've been to Colombia and I hope to return. There are some parts of that beautiful country which I would avoid, but large portions which I'm eager to visit, both on and off my bike.
I don't know why this cycling forum attracts so many folks who seem to be irrationally afraid of so much of the world. Other cycling forums than I know have a much higher percentage of more adventurous folks. Sure, there are plenty of places where I wouldn't venture to at this time (e.g. Syria, Yemen, Venezuela). But there is so much of the world which is wonderful to see and experience, and I feel lucky that I've been able to see some of those places.
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