Damn creepy bike riders

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Replies

  • aakokopelli7
    aakokopelli7 Posts: 196 Member
    Pepper spray would be advised. A woman should never walk/run alone if it can be helped. A creepy man like that will take advantage of the situation. I would not go back there without another person or some kind of protection.

    Remember to kick in the groin or thumb in the eye ball. A can of travel sized can of hairspray and a lighter works just as well as pepper spray and they can easily be held in either hand while walking or running. Car keys with one key threw the knuckles of your right/punching arm. A dog, a medium to large dog is usually enough to keep a person away, always keep the dog between you and the person. Pretend to talk on a cell phone if you feel someone is following you. These are just a couple of things to remember when you go out there alone!
  • PetulantOne
    PetulantOne Posts: 2,131 Member
    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.

    I've always carried myself like I'm ready to rip someones head off. It really is effective. And for the ones that don't get the hint with body language alone, I carry a knife. More for utility than anything else, I was raised in the sticks, but I also know how to use it if I have to.
  • TastesLikeChicken
    TastesLikeChicken Posts: 32 Member
    I have an active wife and two adult daughters so I can empathize with your experience. Please don't think all bike riders are creeps either. Find a fanny pack at target or walmart or look on Amazon. You can easily carry a cell phone and mace in it. I bought mace for all my girls and would prefer they all have it with them always. I would imagine most perps will find another person to bother when they see you pull a bottle of pepper spray out. I agree with the girl who said just ignore them and keep moving.

    Best wishes and have confidence there are still a lot of decent people in the world. Unfortunately there are too many idiots.
  • aakokopelli7
    aakokopelli7 Posts: 196 Member

    I've always carried myself like I'm ready to rip someones head off. It really is effective. And for the ones that don't get the hint with body language alone, I carry a knife. More for utility than anything else, I was raised in the sticks, but I also know how to use it if I have to.

    Yes, This exactly. It doesn't pay to be nice! I rarely make eye contact or smile at anyone I don't know or recognize.
  • xcmtnracer
    xcmtnracer Posts: 426 Member
    I agree, we are not all creepy, just the ones that do not wear helmets.:smile:
  • LondonEliza
    LondonEliza Posts: 456 Member
    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.

    I've always carried myself like I'm ready to rip someones head off. It really is effective. And for the ones that don't get the hint with body language alone, I carry a knife. More for utility than anything else, I was raised in the sticks, but I also know how to use it if I have to.

    ^^ This ^^. I run in a built up part of London at 5.30am in the morning and always make like I am in sh1t for a mood when anyone looms out of the streetlights towards me. I also carry pepper spray in my tracksuit bottoms pocket.

    Remember, you're a busy lady with no time for perverts or getting murdered!

    x
  • TrailRunner61
    TrailRunner61 Posts: 2,505 Member
    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..
    IF you do decide to go back out there, I found some pepper spray at Bass Pro Shops that fits inside your hand, with your fingers through a velcro strap. All you have to do is a quick flip of the nozzle and spray within seconds. I think it was under $10.00. If you ever run into the creep again, dont talk to him at all, but I'd make sure he saw I had pepper spray. That or carry a small pistol if you have CC in your area.
  • kregerems
    kregerems Posts: 100 Member
    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.

    yes I would report this to the police.
  • eggsmilkbread
    eggsmilkbread Posts: 184 Member
    I agree, we are not all creepy, just the ones that do not wear helmets.:smile:
    And he wasn't wearing a helmet! :tongue:

    Thanks for the advice, everyone, it made me feel a LOT better/more informed about the situation.
  • TrailRunner61
    TrailRunner61 Posts: 2,505 Member
    Something else you could do is to take a self-defense class. After reading your post, I think I will!
  • zombiesama
    zombiesama Posts: 755 Member
    Go to your local sporting goods store or even walmart, they should have a "joggers" pepper spray that has a strap that goes around your arm, so its always ready for use. That or push him over ;P

    Edited to add: oops, someone else mentioned the pepper spray. So my new suggestion is to run with a baseball bat and paint your face like "the furies" do in the movie The Warriors. Or run around with a machete, id be scared to be creep if i saw either of those occur.
  • Are all Bike Riders creepy?
  • 4n6babe
    4n6babe Posts: 33 Member
    It wouldn't hurt to have it documented that this occurred. In case it happens again to you or anyone else in the area, there will already be a history of incident(s) so as to help catch the guy if he ever comes around again. They would probably be able to increase patrol in the area as well if you request it.
  • T_X_L
    T_X_L Posts: 140 Member
    And something else to think of: If pepper spray is illegal in your jurisdiction, I've heard (but haven't confirmed) wasp spray works as well too, and it's got great range.
  • hiyomi
    hiyomi Posts: 906 Member
    I'm pretty sure the police could nab him for sexual harassment >.< There is flirting and being semi weird/nervous but that's just plain creepy and rude.
  • MrGonzo05
    MrGonzo05 Posts: 1,120 Member
    Other posters mentioned carrying a gun, knife, or pepper spray. You might want to think that through. His behavior indicates he is poorly socialized, at best.

    Possessing a weapon is no guarantee of safety, and a wrong move could get you seriously hurt. If he becomes aware you have a weapon, his reaction may be "challenge accepted." And if you act first, well. Cutting a dude for hitting on you in a creepy way would not be self defense.

    Wow that was kind of heavy. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna see if there is a gym meme thread. LOL
  • PetulantOne
    PetulantOne Posts: 2,131 Member
    Other posters mentioned carrying a gun, knife, or pepper spray. You might want to think that through. His behavior indicates he is poorly socialized, at best.

    Possessing a weapon is no guarantee of safety, and a wrong move could get you seriously hurt. If he becomes aware you have a weapon, his reaction may be "challenge accepted." And if you act first, well. Cutting a dude for hitting on you in a creepy way would not be self defense.

    Wow that was kind of heavy. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna see if there is a gym meme thread. LOL

    I wasn't suggesting pulling a knife on someone for being a creeper. Obviously you don't stab or mace someone for that. But if someone tried to assault me I would have no problem at all defending myself.
  • megsmom2
    megsmom2 Posts: 2,362 Member
    You need to run with a gun.

    No.
  • Doodlewhopper
    Doodlewhopper Posts: 1,018 Member
    You need to run with a gun.

    No.

    Carrying a gun is a very viable option. When seconds count, a policeman is only 10 minutes away.

    A survey was conducted among inmates and somewhere just under 60% admitted that they had at one time or another backed off from a mugging because of fear that the potential victim was armed. (Im too tired to look the source up) This number represents only those who suspected that a target may be armed; I have no knowledge of just how many have been deterred due to a victim actually drawing the weapon.

    I urge all to learn situational awareness, how to handle a weapon, learn your particular state's gun carry laws, and then get a gun carry permit.

    Learning conflict resolution & de-escalation tactics are mandatory. Generally, when a weapon is pulled, a crime has been committed; either by the suspect, or by you. Aggravated assault is also a felony.

    It is important to learn when you should and when you shouldnt introduce a weapon. One of the most important rules of gun carry is "just because you can shoot, doesnt mean that you should. Pulling the trigger should be the very last option. You should be in fear for your life.

    Shooting a person will change your life forever & you should always attempt to find a way not to do so.

    Carrying a side arm may be the difference from watching a loved one die.
  • Doodlewhopper
    Doodlewhopper Posts: 1,018 Member
    You need to run with a gun.

    No.

    Carrying a gun is a very viable option. When seconds count, a policeman is only 10 minutes away.

    A survey was conducted among inmates and somewhere just under 60% admitted that they had at one time or another backed off from a mugging because of fear that the potential victim was armed. (Im too tired to look the source up) This number represents only those who suspected that a target may be armed; I have no knowledge of just how many have been deterred due to a victim actually drawing the weapon.

    I urge all to learn situational awareness, how to handle a weapon, learn your particular state's gun carry laws, and then get a gun carry permit.

    Learning conflict resolution & de-escalation tactics are mandatory. Generally, when a weapon is pulled, a crime has been committed; either by the suspect, or by you. Aggravated assault is also a felony.

    It is important to learn when you should and when you shouldnt introduce a weapon. One of the most important rules of gun carry is "just because you can shoot, doesnt mean that you should. Pulling the trigger should be the very last option. You should be in fear for your life.

    Shooting a person will change your life forever & you should always attempt to find a way not to do so.

    Carrying a side arm may be the difference from watching a loved one die.
  • RekindledRose
    RekindledRose Posts: 523 Member
    You need to run with a gun.

    No.

    Carrying a gun is a very viable option. When seconds count, a policeman is only 10 minutes away.

    A survey was conducted among inmates and somewhere just under 60% admitted that they had at one time or another backed off from a mugging because of fear that the potential victim was armed. (Im too tired to look the source up) This number represents only those who suspected that a target may be armed; I have no knowledge of just how many have been deterred due to a victim actually drawing the weapon.

    I urge all to learn situational awareness, how to handle a weapon, learn your particular state's gun carry laws, and then get a gun carry permit.

    Learning conflict resolution & de-escalation tactics are mandatory. Generally, when a weapon is pulled, a crime has been committed; either by the suspect, or by you. Aggravated assault is also a felony.

    It is important to learn when you should and when you shouldnt introduce a weapon. One of the most important rules of gun carry is "just because you can shoot, doesnt mean that you should. Pulling the trigger should be the very last option. You should be in fear for your life.

    Shooting a person will change your life forever & you should always attempt to find a way not to do so.

    Carrying a side arm may be the difference from watching a loved one die.

    Amen. And.. those of us who DO carry weapons make sure to get well-trained. We know that it's a huge responsibility, and we're willing to be prepared to save ourselves or our loved ones. It really p*sses me off when someone assumes that all guns/weapons/pepperspray, etc. are "evil". No, they can prevent evil. The object is not the intent.

    SITUATIONAL AWARENESS. You don't have to be everyone's friend. Someone starts creeping you, tell them to "BACK OFF! I don't want to talk to you! Go AWAY!" Get away from them, cause a scene, be willing to embarrass yourself.

    Better embarrassed than dead. Taking self defense classes can do more than teach you to fight ~ They teach you to avoid the fight! How to carry yourself, how to be ALERT to the situation. Stay alive.

    That's the caveat.

    STAY ALIVE. Be smart and stay safe. Remember, Jessica Brown Simpson was with Ron Goldman and her big, white dog when the two were stabbed to death in her front yard. The dog was not much help against a big guy with a knife.
  • krissy_krossy
    krissy_krossy Posts: 307 Member
    Super creepy. I always take my dog when I'm out, but that's because I'm paranoid (I live in off-base military housing. There's no gate and most of the AD here are on one of two carriers. They always advertise on the news when they're leaving, sometimes both gone at the same time, and it's like a big "HEY THERE ARE LOTS OF LADIES WITH NO HUSBANDS HOME NOW. WALK RIGHT IN, CREEPERS!" My husband doesn't get deployed, but still paranoid.)
    She's a big, 80lbs. pit bull/ lab mix and (though she wouldn't hurt a fly) I notice people will cross to the other side of the street when I'm walking her so I figure she's a good deterrent.
  • Dad_of_3
    Dad_of_3 Posts: 517 Member
    This guy did nothing illegal. Why call the cops on him? Take precautions on your runs as you should always do.

    "This guy did nothing illegal."

    Not yet.
  • benol1
    benol1 Posts: 867 Member
    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.)

    My recommendation is to go running with your boyfriend. Its not ideal but it'll make the creepy guy think twice about approaching you again. And I also recommend that you never go running without your cell phone.
    All the best,

    Ben
  • moxie1962
    moxie1962 Posts: 165 Member
    No to the headphones. If you are running with them, you can't be alert to what's going on around you. A distracted person makes a good victim. pay attention to your surroundings. Pay attention to cars, people, cyclists, anything.
    And you don't have to stop and chat and answer questions just because someone asks you a question. Be assertive and keep moving.
    No to going back to your home. Perves and creeps look for opportunities like that.
    Be safe. Be aware. Know where and how to find help if needed. Know where police stations are. Carry your cell phone. Carry MACE if you can.
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    HOT! ME LOVES A OLDER BIKE MAN!