Mace for Protection

[bzbvh5]

I was thinking of getting a hand gun for protection while riding my bike on remote roads. I can think at least one down side including Plaxico Burrussing myself in the a$$. I was talking to a friend and he suggested mace. I've heard stories that the mace available to the general public is not effective in stopping attackers. I've been looking on the internet and found a mace product I might want to purchase. Does anyone have any experience with the pictured product or would you give any good mace advice in general?

[Pete Serotta]

I would not recommend a gun or mace..... If you are uneasy riding certain roads, I would suggest staying of them.

Both a gun or mace can create problems that are best left "uncreated" PETE

[Michael Maddox]

Against a dog, maybe. Otherwise, mace tends to exacerbate already-dangerous encounters.

Against a person, nothing makes a better deterrent than a handgun. And that's really the point, to keep yourself and others out of harm's way. Plus, becoming a legal concealed weapons carrier tends to force you to become educated on what is appropriate (and thus safe) behaviour and what is not (e.g., Answer this one: "You were on a bike, so why didn't you ride away?"). If you're disposed to doing so, I recommend a legally obtained and carried handgun. If not, there's nothing I really recommend other than "keep safe."

Pete's response is very appropriate.

[Ken Robb]

I think some states require a permit to carry some or all types of mace-like products.

[rcnute]

Where are you riding? Compton?

[Satellite]

I was recently riding in California's wine country where I was chased by a dog; mean ugly looking rot type. I used the water bottle trick worked like a charm. I don't think water would work to well on a person but might distract long enough for a quick get away. Mace is just as harmful to you if you inhale some from a back breeze.

[spiderman]

who thought i was a fool for not having mace
mounted on the bar like he did.
he was attacked by a dog
...pretty nasty scar...
1 block from his house
and wished he had been packing it
and has ever since.
i can't bring myself to do the same.
i think i'd be more likely to spray myself
than successfully ward of an attack dog...

[Ginger]

My homies do best with a bigger caliber...most of 'em can't manage ride-bys with the pea shooters. That said, in Texas a sawed off shotgun is probably your best bet.

then again...I hear personal tasers are legal in Texas. They come in dainty pink for the housewife.


(Best deterrent I've had to ward off attacks is a cell phone with gps location...just pull it out of your saddle bag while you're riding along and flip it open and start talking to the cops...no...really...it works...get yourself a satellite phone if you have crappy reception coverage, it won't cost much more than a gun and training.)

[A.L.Breguet]

Pedal faster?

[shiftyfixedgear]

Why not try it on yourself first and see how effective it is ?

[bzbvh5]

Originally Posted by Michael Maddox

Against a dog, maybe. Otherwise, mace tends to exacerbate already-dangerous encounters.

Against a person, nothing makes a better deterrent than a handgun. And that's really the point, to keep yourself and others out of harm's way. Plus, becoming a legal concealed weapons carrier tends to force you to become educated on what is appropriate (and thus safe) behaviour and what is not (e.g., Answer this one: "You were on a bike, so why didn't you ride away?"). If you're disposed to doing so, I recommend a legally obtained and carried handgun. If not, there's nothing I really recommend other than "keep safe."

Pete's response is very appropriate.

I'm looking to protect myself from the guy in the pickup truck that wants to kick the sit out of me because he owns the road and bikes don't belong. I can't out run his truck on my bike, maybe you can. If I feel threatened enough to pull out a gun, deterrent nothing, I'm going to keep pulling the trigger till no more rounds can be fired. I'm not interested in playing you better back off or I'll shoot. And Pete, I do try to ride in safe places. In fact, I'm the one who waves at people when they give me the finger or cut me off at the corner, just as long as they don't hit me with there car, I'm good.

[rwsaunders]

50 encounters/shots out this Taser....plus it comes in four designer colors to match your bar tape. All you need is a background check and a wall charger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK2OsttO614

http://www.guardian-self-defense.com/peppersprays.htm

[Blue Jays]

Originally Posted by Michael Maddox

"...Against a person, nothing makes a better deterrent than a handgun. And that's really the point, to keep yourself and others out of harm's way. Plus, becoming a legal concealed weapons carrier tends to force you to become educated on what is appropriate (and thus safe) behaviour and what is not (e.g., Answer this one: "You were on a bike, so why didn't you ride away?").
If you're disposed to doing so, I recommend a legally obtained and carried handgun..."

Excellent and well-considered response. Different geographies clearly require different approaches to personal safety.

[William]

A page I've included on my website...

http://www.mongrelcombativearts.com/43.html

10 Commandments of Concealed Carry

Written by Massad Ayoob.

Carrying a gun is a serious commitment. Ten real-world factors to make it a part of your life!




William

[Mikej]

Dont do it, trust me. Pete is right, just stay off those roads. As a firearm owner and a well trained Marine, I would highly recomend against it.