My closest calls with disaster have been from dogs. Even a dog on a leash can grab your leg or jump in front of you when you pass by. I have been chased by three pit bulls on a country road with no one else around. Nowadays I carry this pepper spray on my bike with a retractable badge leash clipped to it so that I can drop it and sprint. Hope this helps someone.
by Forthetimebeing72
11 Comments
Damn, sorry to hear about your close calls. Maybe a dog-specific whistle can help you?
Air horn in the top tube bag works well. I personally just use a squirt from my water bottle.
Little yappy shit tried to sink it’s teeth into my foot earlier. Thankfully I wear walking shoes and it couldn’t sink in. I cycled off but tbh I was prepared to kick it if needed.
I’ve never hit or abused an animal before anyone gets on my back, but surely there’s a point you can physically take action.
Kick it.
American Flyers immediately came to mind! Yeah that sucks. Water bottle is the old school technique but I think you did the right thing here. A couple of my whips use a full frame pump (not the gravel bike) and that too is always at the ready.
I carry an oversized tire pump with the seal removed and if they get close I hang on to the handle an start swinging for the eyes…
I have had dogs come out at me, but never get close enough that I was in fear of getting bit. Normally I see or hear them coming early enough that I can start my impormptu sprint session.
Here’s what you need
https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycling/s/X9CgGBOrBo
Water bottle squirt
In my area super easy: just stop and pet them.
Pepper/Bear spray? Problem is that you could hurt yourself too in the action