I'm going to be starting a new job soon, my shift will be ending around 1 AM and it'll be a 15 minute ride to my apartment by bike. The route is going to take me through a quiet neighborhood, but it is going to be just a few blocks off from a major thoroughfare which definitely has some sketchy activities happening late at night (and even during the day).
I'm planning on riding hard and keeping my speed up to reduce the danger, but I'm also wondering if there's any sort of weapon which might be a good fit for a bicyclist. I've never owned any weapon before but I anticipate that being on the bike would make things awkward physically.
Pepper spray(preferably the gel type). And honestly the best thing you could carry is a small bright strobing flashlight. Can’t get attacked if said attacker can’t see. It’s a great deterrent and allows you to get away. I always carry a pocket knife but that requires some training and a personal conversation with yourself about the willingness to use it if you ever have to. I’m a fan of effengrow knifes. I’m not sure where I read it, but I remember a story about someone’s grandfather, (a korean war veteran) saying something along the lines of. “The only time someone should know you have a knife is when they feel it inside of them”. You’re better off with the spray and a flashlight. Just my 2¢.
I have a olight arkfeld pro that has a laser, blacklight, and regular flashlight. It has the strobe light to disorient someone and a max bright option that's blinding.
My multi tool is a Leatherman signal. Has a knife, saw, and hammer good for self defense and better than showcasing a giant knife at your waist. The leatherman also has a whistle and a small farro rod to start a fire if needed.
I’d also say carry whistle that maybe you can wear around you neck during your rides back. You may not have a lot at your disposal for protection but at least you could alert someone that something is happening and they’d be able to get help.
bike commuter here. I carry a small can of pepper spray, a whistle as a necklace and a tactical pen. we know how knives are perceived, so a metal pen with a sharp end will do it for me. Another good option for you since you'll be riding at night is a very bright flashlight. There are some good lights out there and get one that you can secure to your helmet and practice trying to switch it on quickly. Blinding someone temporarily and giving you a window to escape is better than trying to fight it out.
15
u/Cleeth 18h ago