Damn creepy bike riders

eggsmilkbread

I was going on a walk today and some guy on a bike waves to me politely and I think nothing of it, 10 seconds later out of nowhere he comes back and stops me and starts asking creepy questions like if I have a "man," and if I like older men, if I'm single, etc. He even asked if my boyfriend was bisexual and asked if I'd cheat on him "only for a second!" :sick:

He was riding near the route on which I take my runs.. Now I'm pretty scared to go out and run later... :frown: But I do go running with my big scary dog, maybe he'll keep the creepers away? :grumble: I don't really have anywhere else to run around my neighborhood(lots of traffic, near downtown.)

sandobr1

I would try and find alternate routes even if it is the other direction, also I would alert the police maybe advise them of your route and times, they may be looking for this guy already. Be safe.

eggsmilkbread

Yeah now I'm actually thinking of calling the police but I couldn't really describe him since he was wearing a beanie and sun glasses, which is an automatic red light anyway.

Gramps251

Creepy indeed.

MaraDiaz

Sounds like your scary dog needs backup. Pepperspray or taser might do.

supplemama

How was he able to ask you all these questions?? How was he able to 'stop' you??

Just because someone asks you a question doesn't mean you have to answer it. Just because someone asks you to stop doesn't mean you have to.

Next time, be it him or some other creepy man, FIRST question they ask simply shake your head and decline to speak and keep walking. If you feel like you must say something, say I'm not interested! or That's my business! while you are walking away. If they follow you, start yelling/screaming, alert other people, while you are running away. Most men will STOP at this point. Take out your phone and call 911 if you really feel threatened.

Definitely carry pepper spray, be prepared to use it. Carry your self like you are not to be messed with. Do not allow some random man to 'stop' you and question you.

Cinflo58

what kind of dogs do you have? that is very scarey. Let us know what happens if you notify the police

MoreBean13

You need to run with a gun.

MaraDiaz

Yeah now I'm actually thinking of calling the police but I couldn't really describe him since he was wearing a beanie and sun glasses, which is an automatic red light anyway.

Come to think of it, you might want to call them anyway. They might have already had a report on this guy. Or maybe they'll cruise by and keep an eye on the area if you ask, depending on whether or not they have enough officers to go around. Can't hurt to ask.

minizebu

I'd advise varying your routine, so that you are not taking a predictable route at a predictable time. I also echo the advice given by the previous responders.

Also, avoid isolated areas. If there are others out jogging, try to keep pace with them so that it appears that you are with a group. Better yet, find an actual running partner.

Edit: It seems my reading comprehension is poor today. Replace "jogging" with "walking" above.

Oishii

I only started running when I realised where I could go that there would always be someone around (added bonus that it's pretty flat). Take care, and as everyone's said, don't be too predictable.

angmarie28

I wont go running anywhere without one of my dogs, im terrified lol

Melo1966

I have a cocker spaniel she does not like any man without a dog talk to us, she is ok with women and children though, really funny I guess she is trying to protect me.

kimmymayhall

Yikes. I agree that you should vary your route and take precautions - bring your phone, your dog, pepper spray, whatever you need. But I also agree with not stopping to talk to strangers. I live in a residential neighborhood (sounds like you might be in a more urban area) and I will sometimes stop if people look like they need help or directions or something. But if they start getting weird or it's just some guy trying to holler at me I turn the corner and keep running. Be aware of your surroundings and if you start getting creeped out again head home. Can you go running with your BF or a neighbor?

Ready2Rock206

How was he able to ask you all these questions?? How was he able to 'stop' you??

Just because someone asks you a question doesn't mean you have to answer it. Just because someone asks you to stop doesn't mean you have to.

For real! Ignore and keep walking - don't engage the creepsters!!

minizebu

Be aware of your surroundings and if you start getting creeped out again head home.

No, if you start getting creeped out, I do not advise going home. If the creep follows you, then he will know where you live. If you are in an urban area, go to a well-lit or crowded area, or a shop of some kind and stay there until you think the coast is clear. Or, redirect your route so that you pass by a police precinct. Do whatever you need to do, but don't make a bee line to your house.

eggsmilkbread

Thanks guys I feel a bit better, where he stopped me was a little ways away from my normal route and my dog is a big rottweiler/german shepard mix. I tried calling the police but unfortunantly the lady over the phone just said "oh it's not a big deal, you don't have enough information about him anyway blabla." And to be fair, I didn't, when he stopped me I kind of started panicking. My mom told me to take her pepper spray with me but honestly i don't have anywhere to fit it OR my phone... I'll think of something, maybe take this day off. I really don't want to but whatever keeps me safe, I suppose..

Melo1966

Be aware of your surroundings and if you start getting creeped out again head home. Can you go running with your BF or a neighbor?

No, if you start getting creeped out, I do not advise going home. If the creep follows you, then he will know where you live. If you are in an urban area, go to a well-lit or crowded area, or a shop of some kind and stay there until you think the coast is clear. Or, redirect your route so that you pass by a police precinct. Do whatever you need to do, but don't make a bee line to your house.

Definately watch to see if they follow you before heading home.

apexgtp

This guy did nothing illegal. Why call the cops on him? Take precautions on your runs as you should always do.

alaskaang

I'll second the suggestions of pepper spray or a tazer, (or any other weapon for that matter) if they are legal where you live, and make sure you carry your phone. If you feel any threat of violence, do not hesitate to call the police. And above all, NEVER go anywhere with someone regardless of threat. You have a much better chance of getting away in public than if you allow someone to bully you into "going with them". There would be far less women who have been subjected to horrible violence and death if they fought on site.

moustache_flavored_lube

Soooo I heard you and your man are into cyclists :flowerforyou: This spandex really makes me randy

Amazon_Who

Carry pepper spray.

Wear headphones (tunes not required) to give off that "I'm busy" vibe.

Doodlewhopper

How was he able to ask you all these questions?? How was he able to 'stop' you??

Just because someone asks you a question doesn't mean you have to answer it. Just because someone asks you to stop doesn't mean you have to.

Next time, be it him or some other creepy man, FIRST question they ask simply shake your head and decline to speak and keep walking. If you feel like you must say something, say I'm not interested! or That's my business! while you are walking away. If they follow you, start yelling/screaming, alert other people, while you are running away. Most men will STOP at this point. Take out your phone and call 911 if you really feel threatened.

Definitely carry pepper spray, be prepared to use it. Carry your self like you are not to be messed with. Do not allow some random man to 'stop' you and question you.

Very good advice.

Many times these creeps are probing to see how compliant the "potential victim" is or he just may be trying to work the nerve up to go further. Creeps dont like assertive & loud women.

BTW OP you stated you didnt have any place to carry pepper spray. How bout socks, or carry it in your hand, or taping it to your arm, thigh, waist band, etc. Use your noggin! Be safe, you may only get one chance.

eggsmilkbread

How was he able to ask you all these questions?? How was he able to 'stop' you??

Just because someone asks you a question doesn't mean you have to answer it. Just because someone asks you to stop doesn't mean you have to.

Next time, be it him or some other creepy man, FIRST question they ask simply shake your head and decline to speak and keep walking. If you feel like you must say something, say I'm not interested! or That's my business! while you are walking away. If they follow you, start yelling/screaming, alert other people, while you are running away. Most men will STOP at this point. Take out your phone and call 911 if you really feel threatened.

Definitely carry pepper spray, be prepared to use it. Carry your self like you are not to be messed with. Do not allow some random man to 'stop' you and question you.

Very good advice.

Many times these creeps are probing to see how compliant the "potential victim" is or he just may be trying to work the nerve up to go further. Creeps dont like assertive & loud women.

BTW OP you stated you didnt have any place to carry pepper spray. How bout socks, or carry it in your hand, or taping it to your arm, thigh, waist band, etc. Use your noggin! Be safe, you may only get one chance.

I actually was a little loud and assertive, I think that DID scare him away some. Also, I did have earbuds in and the *kitten* STILL went up to me and it's kind of hard to just keep walking when someone's talking to you and I know for a fact that I can't overpower/outrun a grown man so I didn't want to seem "scared" as stupid as that may sound.

MichelleZannone

Get a chain for around your neck and a key chain pepper spray and maybe even a whistle. You and put it on under your clothing so it doesn't bounce around too much. Also look at a sporting good's store for a holder for your cell phone that attach's around your arm specially designed for running. You might even find one at Wal-mart or some place like that. Be careful out there and take that dog with you.

MichelleZannone

Get a chain for around your neck and a key chain pepper spray and maybe even a whistle. You and put it on under your clothing so it doesn't bounce around too much. Also look at a sporting good's store for a holder for your cell phone that attach's around your arm specially designed for running. You might even find one at Wal-mart or some place like that. Be careful out there and take that dog with you.

Also phone someone before and after. Tell them how long you will be gone and the route you take.

yourenotmine

Something similar happened to me while I lived in Albania. A guy on a bike was riding just next to me and whisper-yelling at me in Italian. Practically hissing at me. Eew. Thankfully it was in the daytime, and I yelled "help" to some old men walking near me and they were very kind and walked with me until they were very certain he was gone.

Tell someone when you're leaving and what route you're taking. Take anything protective with you that you can, and if you have to, push him off the bike and RUN.

Doodlewhopper

How was he able to ask you all these questions?? How was he able to 'stop' you??

Just because someone asks you a question doesn't mean you have to answer it. Just because someone asks you to stop doesn't mean you have to.

Next time, be it him or some other creepy man, FIRST question they ask simply shake your head and decline to speak and keep walking. If you feel like you must say something, say I'm not interested! or That's my business! while you are walking away. If they follow you, start yelling/screaming, alert other people, while you are running away. Most men will STOP at this point. Take out your phone and call 911 if you really feel threatened.

Definitely carry pepper spray, be prepared to use it. Carry your self like you are not to be messed with. Do not allow some random man to 'stop' you and question you.

Very good advice.

Many times these creeps are probing to see how compliant the "potential victim" is or he just may be trying to work the nerve up to go further. Creeps dont like assertive & loud women.

BTW OP you stated you didnt have any place to carry pepper spray. How bout socks, or carry it in your hand, or taping it to your arm, thigh, waist band, etc. Use your noggin! Be safe, you may only get one chance.

I actually was a little loud and assertive, I think that DID scare him away some. Also, I did have earbuds in and the *kitten* STILL went up to me and it's kind of hard to just keep walking when someone's talking to you and I know for a fact that I can't overpower/outrun a grown man so I didn't want to seem "scared" as stupid as that may sound.

Great & dont assume that you cant outrun a man (bet you can outrun me) or that he will follow you too far if youre loud. LOL Glad you shut him down. These sick & twisted basterdidges take advantage of well meaning polite people.

Dont think I am criticizing you. Im just so mad at what he did, the sorry ess oh bee.

McChubbyruewho

Get a gun!

Doodlewhopper

This guy did nothing illegal. Why call the cops on him? Take precautions on your runs as you should always do.

We dont know that. Maybe the police are looking for him regarding an earlier, assault..., or maybe he is a suspect in an attempted child abduction. It never hurts to give the police an informational call. I hope the dispatcher took notes when the op called this in.

This is not his first creep. These guys dont stop at one attempt, they are compulsive.

missjanetleigh

I was going on a walk today and some guy on a bike waves to me politely and I think nothing of it, 10 seconds later out of nowhere he comes back and stops me and starts asking creepy questions like if I have a "man," and if I like older men, if I'm single, etc. He even asked if my boyfriend was bisexual and asked if I'd cheat on him "only for a second!" :sick:

He was riding near the route on which I take my runs.. Now I'm pretty scared to go out and run later... :frown: But I do go running with my big scary dog, maybe he'll keep the creepers away? :grumble: I don't really have anywhere else to run around my neighborhood(lots of traffic, near downtown.)

Teargas (Mace)