C_hepp

I have a tentative cross country tour this summer with 2-3 other people, and an issue that keeps coming up is safety. What do u guys bring? Is just a knife and maybe pepper spray enough or is it good to take it as far as taking a handgun?

Doug64

I don't carry anything but my Swiss Army knife, and it is for slicing cheese, not self defense. My wife and I have toured a lot, and have never felt the need for anything except situational awareness.

We have toured through places like Detroit, Boston, Chicago, Gary, Buffalo, and Cleveland; only armed with a smile. We have also toured in 11 other countries without a problem.

I recommend practicing your smile and leave the things that will cause more trouble than they prevent at home!

P.S. Correction: We got in the crossfire of two drunks in a rock fight while riding through Duncan, BC. Other than watching one with a poor aim break a window of a car stopped for a traffic signal, there really was not
much danger.

fietsbob

All fire arm discussions go into P&R . https://www.bikeforums.net/politics-religion/

if you are insecure go tour a different country where Its not as Violent. Like Iceland or Switzerland.

Australia is even in summer Now..

mstateglfr 

I have a small 4 inch blade folding knife that I bring on all rides more lasting more than 1 day. Its for any number of purposes though and has only ever been used to cut rope or twigs.
I dont carry pepper spray because I havent felt the need, so I for sure havent carried a loaded gun.
I could see pepper spray being carried and wouldnt think twice if someone said they carry it.

I am unarmed, even with my kids on short tours.

C_hepp

This is what I figured. I don't think bringing something as drastic as a gun would be necessary. A small knife for other uses and a small can of pepper spray makes the most sense to me, especially since we will be in a group.

robow

If you're travelling in a group, you will need less precaution since there is a fair amount of safety in numbers. As a solo rider, might be a different story but I still never carry a firearm.

gdlerner

Pepper spray ,a machete and knowlege of krav maga,anyway until now only used some time the spray agains crazy dogs

CliffordK

I can't imagine that riding across the country (USA?) would be any worse than riding around town, or around your local country roads.

I do carry a Swiss Army Knife with me most of the time, but have never even thought I would need it for defence. It is used for making adjustments on the bike, or anything that needs a little trimming.

I have "stealth camped" in Europe. The one thing that is important. If you leave your bike outside at night, then lock it. If you are alone, can you bring it into the tent with you? Also, don't leave your bike unlocked unattended.

I've never pepper sprayed a dog either, but some people do recommend it for dogs or other animals. Apparently dogs will also break off chase with a spray from a water bottle, but I usually just yell at them to "GO HOME", very forcefully.

Machka 

This ^^


We've toured that way in 13 countries ... in the city and in the country.

staehpj1

Do what ever you do around town at home or less. If anything I'd be less likely to worry about carrying something for protection when on tour as compared to home.

Another thing what would you do with a weapon if you wanted to go into federally owned building (post office etc.). Leaving it with the bike would be irresponsible and taking it in is a serious offense.

Tourist in MSN

If you are concerned, take a kick boxing class. If you have not had training in how to use a weapon (I mean real training, like military training, not a couple hour lecture at a range), it is likely more dangerous to you and your friends than anyone else.

If having a can of pepper spray on your handlebar makes you feel safer, bring it along. But I do not know if any states have any rules on that.

Make sure you bring a lock, your unattended bike is likely less safe than you are. If you have a problem, it is likely theft when you are not watching. Bring your valuables, ID, phone, etc., inside with you at restaurants, grocery stores, etc. I carried a handlebar bag that had all my valuables, that went inside with me wherever we stopped.

rex615

When I was younger, for protection, I used to carry a condom but now I just carry Tums.
Lets face it at my age, I am more likely to get heartburn than to get laid.

hueyhoolihan

confrontations with one's own touring companions, IME, rarely escalates beyond the occasional threat and name-calling... but it's not uncommon to have differences of opinion from time to time, WRT routes and eating places and camp sites. i suppose you could carry a stout stick strapped to the toptube though if you felt threatened.

jargo432

Funny you brought this up. Today I had to use my pepper spray. On the route I usually take there is a dog that chased me about a year ago and I haven't seen since. Today as I came around the corner there he was and he came after me with a vengeance. I grabbed my pepper spray and hit him directly in the face. That put a stop to that. His owner was just inside the door of his house and was yelling for him to stop but he didn't listen. I hated doing it but I hate getting bit even more.

I have my spray mounted on the part of my fork tube above the headset. I cut the top strap off and it is easy to grab quickly.

Dave Cutter

If your not alone (being with 2-3 other people) that's a lot of safety right there. I think dogs would be my biggest concern in rural areas... followed by bears. A pepper spray might be overkill but a lot of security with very little weight.

dashely

Nothing but a smile as a solo tourist. There are few real treats that would go after a group.

Happy Feet

I carry pepper spray because I tour in bear country a lot but have never had an encounter that has made me uncomfortable. Like someone said, situational awareness is most important like storing food and keeping a clean camp but I just know I would kick myself if I were ever being eaten by a bear and thinking "why didn't I bring that spray!!!"

I know I will die one day but I don't want to feel foolish while doing it.

mtnroads

Come here to the Philippines, lol. Problem solved.

mtnroads

This is one of the biggest problems. Always being worried about having a loaded weapon and what to do with it if you park the bike, even just for a hike or to go into a store.

VT_Speed_TR

Bill Bryson (A Walk in the Woods) carried nail clippers to fight off the bears on the AT :-)

Ridefreemc

I carry pepper gel:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o06_s00
zip tied to my stem. Amazing stuff that I may never need.
No way on carrying a gun. So much liability involved (don't want to start that discussion).
I used to carry a baton, but it broke and I never replaced it. Pepper spray is by far the best non-lethal option. I will be carrying it on my tour next summer.

MassiveD

Knives for self-defence are a huge legal issue. In many places there is an assumption that to use a knife is to attempt murder since there is a presumption they are not effective for self defence. Another common issue is that a knife use is deadly force and therefore repeated parries may be regarded as multiple uses of deadly force which can be a very sticky issue. Just be sure you are aware of the true legal situation you are entering, and the many jurisdictional issues.

Squeezebox

Besides the federal building issue, you must also follow the laws of wherever you are. if you shoot someone or even their dog I bet you will be detained for the length of the investigation, kinda messes up your tour. Brandishing a weapon is also illegal most places. Carrying a gun only gives them a excuse to shoot you. I have been yelled at and insulted often enough. Even run off the road a few times. Turning around and going the other way and let them move on, do not engage. Besides most Rednecks are not afraid of guns.

C_hepp

I personally don't think a handgun is necessary like u guys are saying. I will have a knife for other purposes as well as pepper spray at an easy to reach location. Thanks everyone for the help.

wphamilton

I would, always did for extended camping anyway. I wouldn't rely on a knife for self-defense though.