Hi, Deb, Gez Coupland pointed me to your channel. As a male I am very conscious of how a lone female may feel as I approach, so give them as much space as possible. I am well trained in self defence, which adds confidence (although it can sometimes lead to over confidence) but the first rule of self defence is to avoid or distance yourself from the danger. I would recommend all decent people to gain some basic self defence training as the confidence it helps us to display can often put off a coward, which is what many of these people are. I also feel an ear shattering rape alarm is worth carrying, as that noise can deter a would be assailant, or nasty dog. I am experiencing a great improvement in drivers respecting cyclists. There are still the few drivers that don’t understand the danger they pose, as well as the few morons that know exactly what they are doing in an attempt to frighten us. I use a cheap Chilli Tech bullet cam and report those that transgress, which has resulted in many prosecutions. Hopefully, that prosecution may save someone in the future. Interestingly, when I am wearing my GoPro chest mount I rarely have a problem, I assume because they realise I have a camera. The one time I was knocked off I didn’t report it. The young mother concerned was distracted by her autistic son and that momentary lapse of concentration was enough. It was low speed and she paid for my damaged jersey, plus I doubt she’ll ever do it again.
No, I guess everyone is doing the best they can to deter and defend, but like you say, it’s never a sure thing. I’ve read a lot of comments in running pages with women in the US saying they carry a gun. It’s so frustrating that that’s the kind of world we live in, for men and women alike, that you need to prepare yourself with that level of protection when just going out for exercise.
Hi Deb, just to say i really enjoy your video's. You come across really well! It is a shame that we feel a target sometimes when we cycle. Just today ive been out for a ride and encountered a couple of people who shout something at me as i pass them by. Both occasions they were pedestrians who just felt it necessary to shout something. It can happen a bit to me, its usually teens but not always. I am a guy of 48 so probably shouldn't let it bother me. Can ruin something we enjoy.
Thanks Ben, I really appreciate that. I’m sorry you have experienced that. It can definitely take the shine off, even if it’s just that it’s wound you up. The hatred towards cyclists can be really upsetting, especially if that mindset starts in teens and stays when those teens learn to drive. But heckling is just rude and unnecessary. Wishing you quiet, people-free rides☺️
@@deblordoutdoors5783 Thank you. I am blessed with some good off roads rides which can be quiet. Living in North Nottinghamshire I have Clumber Park and Sherwood Forest very close by. As well as numerous other bike trails. I hope you continue to enjoy your cycling and keep us entertained with your videos. Thank you.
Aaaw man, that was a great vid but quite sad, horrible to hear you have to think like that… but totally understand, does rattle me this crazy world we live in! New to your channel and am about to have a gander at a few more vids, cheers
The thumbnail on this video is GORGEOUS! And so are the other landscape shots. What camera are you using? As a male, I also sometimes feel unsafe coming across a person in the middle of nowhere, or setting up a group ride with people I've never seen before (even though Poland, Central Europe, where I live, is significantly safer than the UK according to Eurostat). It's not a gender issue, it's a society issue, although I see why solo-cycling women may perceive their situation as more vulnerable. As for drinking whilst on a ride, beer has been shown to actually improve hydration and recovery times in endurance cycling. I'll usually settle for a non-alcoholic one, because alcohol doesn't mix with clipless pedals particularly well :) Cheers!
Thank you for that feedback. I think the perceived fear comes from the fact that the majority of sexual and violent offences against women are perpetrated by men, and although the majority of men are very decent humans, we don’t know which men are liable to pose harm. Speaking as someone who has been assaulted twice by a man, the risks are there, and it’s looking at how we best keep ourselves safe. I can see from the feedback thus far though that a lot of men feel intimidated too, probably for similar reasons. Thanks too for the comment on the thumbnail. I use an iPhone 13 Pro. I did have a dSLR, but wanted a more practical solution for being on the bike, so I sold it and use the iPhone and sometimes a GoPro hero 7.
I felt like that when out jogging! Bit less biking. I always send hubs my route. I text when leaving and text when home. Have you thought of live tracker so your wife can track you live whilst you’re out? Sorry to hear about the car incident!! No wonder it puts people off cycling. 🚴♀️
Yeah, definitely felt that way jogging too. I bought my staffy a canicross harness and had her run with me if out anywhere more remote, and often stuck to the main roads in darker months if I didn’t have her with me. Like you say, I think the bike offers a little more security, just in terms of passing by more quickly. I tend to try and avoid places like canal footpaths though as there’s literally nowhere to go if confronted. Yeah, Clare can track me as we’re all on the same iTunes account in our household, which is definitely useful. I think many of us women will do the route sharing and checking in and out. I think it’s probably something we apply to a lot of things… walking home, getting a taxi. I remember as a kid my aunt always giving my mum “the 3 rings” on the phone to indicate she’d got home after leaving in a cab. It feels almost like built-in instinctive behaviour.
As a 6ft 3in 140kg human I don't get too many issues with people on foot, however, do have issues with motorists and their road rage when I ride to protect myself We all fear for our safety for different reasons but there are protected characteristics that heighten particular issues for some but not others - I fear I have a heightened risk of physical assault because I am larger male as opposed to a risk of a sexual assault but can't quantify that risk which makes it even more heightened .... our brains are often far more imaginative and increase perceived risk than we face more often than not, however, those risks that do exist can't be managed
Thanks for that. It’s really interesting hearing men and women’s perspective on safety, particularly as it relates to cycling. I’m 5ft 11in and often feel slightly safer because of that too. (I don’t know if anyone commenting identifies as non-binary, but I suspect safety issues may be more nuanced for that demographic).
I've been knocked off my bike three times in the last two years now when I go for a ride I have a GoPro recording, so if you get a bad driver giving you grief you have it on film and would think you would feel safer when out in the wild on your own having one recording.
I’m sorry to hear that! 😡 I suppose the thing is, if someone was going to assault you, there’d be nothing stopping them taking your GoPro. I can definitely see the benefit of having one in transit, but it maybe serves as evidence after the fact rather than a deterrent. The only time I feel truly safe somewhere remote is when I have my dogs with me as no one would get near me with them.
As a guy (58) I don't have it half ... no... 1% as bad as women, and feel saddened, but not surprised that you have these concerns in 2023. The only time I feel nervous is cycling past gangs of teenagers. As far as motorist arsoles are concerned, they don't care what gender you are. Rule of thumb..the flashier the car...the less room given :p
Thanks for that Darrin. I think the women’s safety issue is something no one ever consciously thought about until more recent times. It’s just an unconscious, constant risk assessment, and it’s not until someone pointed it out that I even thought, “crikey! It’s there constantly in the background,” a bit like internet security, running away and flagging up any threats. It’ll be interesting to hear a variety of experience though.
Unfortunately not, or I’d definitely have some. And maybe a taser. There’s literally nothing you can carry in the U.K. It’s down to martial arts really if you have the skill… which I don’t😩 Cameras could definitely be a deterrent, especially if logging footage straight to a cloud.
@@deblordoutdoors5783 dont trust too much in hand combat skills, looking strong and big is a much more functional deterrent that actually knowing how to fight...think about paper spray instead since its a fantastic self defense weapon...can you get something similar and are the fines for having it that big?
It’s not so much a fine I’d be bothered about as much as having it on my criminal record as an offensive weapon. I could potentially face termination of my employment as I work with vulnerable adults.
@@deblordoutdoors5783 well you could consult with a lawyer, its an important thing to know about in detail. No state cares about their citizens safety as much as the citizens do.
With how people carry knifes these days I think we all have thoughts like you has a man if I cycle towards a group of hooded youths I save my energy on the approach just incase they take a fancy to my bike then I speed past them
Yeah, knife crime definitely appears to be on the rise. I carry a Swiss Army knife in my pack, but wouldn’t have access to it quickly enough if needed for self-defence, and obviously, don’t want to be found carrying a blade when it looks like it’s intended to be used for self-defence. It’s really tough in the U.K. to carry anything to defend yourself if needed while staying on the right side of the law. I worked somewhere a handful of years ago where we had to park our cars away from the building, and when finishing at 10pm, we’d have to walk there in the dark. My female colleague bought a very small “keyring” that could be a bit stabby if needed. Fully available to purchase on Amazon, but management got wind of it and she ended up on disciplinary. 🤦♀️
@@deblordoutdoors5783 we was diverted on our ride Saturday because of this.A murder investigation has been launched after a man was found dead near a footpath in a Derbyshire village. A member of the public made the discovery at around 7.20pm on a path near Risley Lane, Breaston on Friday (June 23).
"Wet as an otter's pocket" - I would like to declare that you won the Internet today with that one! 🏆
😂 Thanks!
Hi, Deb, Gez Coupland pointed me to your channel. As a male I am very conscious of how a lone female may feel as I approach, so give them as much space as possible. I am well trained in self defence, which adds confidence (although it can sometimes lead to over confidence) but the first rule of self defence is to avoid or distance yourself from the danger. I would recommend all decent people to gain some basic self defence training as the confidence it helps us to display can often put off a coward, which is what many of these people are. I also feel an ear shattering rape alarm is worth carrying, as that noise can deter a would be assailant, or nasty dog. I am experiencing a great improvement in drivers respecting cyclists. There are still the few drivers that don’t understand the danger they pose, as well as the few morons that know exactly what they are doing in an attempt to frighten us. I use a cheap Chilli Tech bullet cam and report those that transgress, which has resulted in many prosecutions. Hopefully, that prosecution may save someone in the future. Interestingly, when I am wearing my GoPro chest mount I rarely have a problem, I assume because they realise I have a camera. The one time I was knocked off I didn’t report it. The young mother concerned was distracted by her autistic son and that momentary lapse of concentration was enough. It was low speed and she paid for my damaged jersey, plus I doubt she’ll ever do it again.
Thanks so much for that feedback, and for checking out my video. All really great suggestions and something I will look into☺️
we conceal carry (yes even biking) here in the US , but still that's not 100% fail-safe
No, I guess everyone is doing the best they can to deter and defend, but like you say, it’s never a sure thing. I’ve read a lot of comments in running pages with women in the US saying they carry a gun. It’s so frustrating that that’s the kind of world we live in, for men and women alike, that you need to prepare yourself with that level of protection when just going out for exercise.
Hi Deb, just to say i really enjoy your video's. You come across really well! It is a shame that we feel a target sometimes when we cycle. Just today ive been out for a ride and encountered a couple of people who shout something at me as i pass them by. Both occasions they were pedestrians who just felt it necessary to shout something. It can happen a bit to me, its usually teens but not always. I am a guy of 48 so probably shouldn't let it bother me. Can ruin something we enjoy.
Thanks Ben, I really appreciate that. I’m sorry you have experienced that. It can definitely take the shine off, even if it’s just that it’s wound you up. The hatred towards cyclists can be really upsetting, especially if that mindset starts in teens and stays when those teens learn to drive. But heckling is just rude and unnecessary. Wishing you quiet, people-free rides☺️
@@deblordoutdoors5783 Thank you. I am blessed with some good off roads rides which can be quiet. Living in North Nottinghamshire I have Clumber Park and Sherwood Forest very close by. As well as numerous other bike trails. I hope you continue to enjoy your cycling and keep us entertained with your videos. Thank you.
Aaaw man, that was a great vid but quite sad, horrible to hear you have to think like that… but totally understand, does rattle me this crazy world we live in!
New to your channel and am about to have a gander at a few more vids, cheers
Thanks for having a look. Really appreciate it☺️
The thumbnail on this video is GORGEOUS! And so are the other landscape shots. What camera are you using?
As a male, I also sometimes feel unsafe coming across a person in the middle of nowhere, or setting up a group ride with people I've never seen before (even though Poland, Central Europe, where I live, is significantly safer than the UK according to Eurostat). It's not a gender issue, it's a society issue, although I see why solo-cycling women may perceive their situation as more vulnerable.
As for drinking whilst on a ride, beer has been shown to actually improve hydration and recovery times in endurance cycling. I'll usually settle for a non-alcoholic one, because alcohol doesn't mix with clipless pedals particularly well :)
Cheers!
Thank you for that feedback. I think the perceived fear comes from the fact that the majority of sexual and violent offences against women are perpetrated by men, and although the majority of men are very decent humans, we don’t know which men are liable to pose harm. Speaking as someone who has been assaulted twice by a man, the risks are there, and it’s looking at how we best keep ourselves safe. I can see from the feedback thus far though that a lot of men feel intimidated too, probably for similar reasons.
Thanks too for the comment on the thumbnail. I use an iPhone 13 Pro. I did have a dSLR, but wanted a more practical solution for being on the bike, so I sold it and use the iPhone and sometimes a GoPro hero 7.
I felt like that when out jogging! Bit less biking. I always send hubs my route. I text when leaving and text when home. Have you thought of live tracker so your wife can track you live whilst you’re out? Sorry to hear about the car incident!! No wonder it puts people off cycling. 🚴♀️
Yeah, definitely felt that way jogging too. I bought my staffy a canicross harness and had her run with me if out anywhere more remote, and often stuck to the main roads in darker months if I didn’t have her with me. Like you say, I think the bike offers a little more security, just in terms of passing by more quickly. I tend to try and avoid places like canal footpaths though as there’s literally nowhere to go if confronted.
Yeah, Clare can track me as we’re all on the same iTunes account in our household, which is definitely useful. I think many of us women will do the route sharing and checking in and out. I think it’s probably something we apply to a lot of things… walking home, getting a taxi. I remember as a kid my aunt always giving my mum “the 3 rings” on the phone to indicate she’d got home after leaving in a cab. It feels almost like built-in instinctive behaviour.
@@deblordoutdoors5783 oh the 3 rings was definitely a thing when I was young we still do
As a 6ft 3in 140kg human I don't get too many issues with people on foot, however, do have issues with motorists and their road rage when I ride to protect myself
We all fear for our safety for different reasons but there are protected characteristics that heighten particular issues for some but not others - I fear I have a heightened risk of physical assault because I am larger male as opposed to a risk of a sexual assault but can't quantify that risk which makes it even more heightened .... our brains are often far more imaginative and increase perceived risk than we face more often than not, however, those risks that do exist can't be managed
Thanks for that. It’s really interesting hearing men and women’s perspective on safety, particularly as it relates to cycling. I’m 5ft 11in and often feel slightly safer because of that too. (I don’t know if anyone commenting identifies as non-binary, but I suspect safety issues may be more nuanced for that demographic).
I've been knocked off my bike three times in the last two years now when I go for a ride I have a GoPro recording, so if you get a bad driver giving you grief you have it on film and would think you would feel safer when out in the wild on your own having one recording.
I’m sorry to hear that! 😡
I suppose the thing is, if someone was going to assault you, there’d be nothing stopping them taking your GoPro. I can definitely see the benefit of having one in transit, but it maybe serves as evidence after the fact rather than a deterrent. The only time I feel truly safe somewhere remote is when I have my dogs with me as no one would get near me with them.
@@deblordoutdoors5783 pity dogs cant ride bikes that would the problem.
@@p.thomas2989 That would be awesome!! 😂
As a guy (58) I don't have it half ... no... 1% as bad as women, and feel saddened, but not surprised that you have these concerns in 2023. The only time I feel nervous is cycling past gangs of teenagers. As far as motorist arsoles are concerned, they don't care what gender you are. Rule of thumb..the flashier the car...the less room given :p
Thanks for that Darrin. I think the women’s safety issue is something no one ever consciously thought about until more recent times. It’s just an unconscious, constant risk assessment, and it’s not until someone pointed it out that I even thought, “crikey! It’s there constantly in the background,” a bit like internet security, running away and flagging up any threats. It’ll be interesting to hear a variety of experience though.
Is pepper spray carry legal in UK? Carry it if it is, cameras on the back are also smart
Unfortunately not, or I’d definitely have some. And maybe a taser. There’s literally nothing you can carry in the U.K. It’s down to martial arts really if you have the skill… which I don’t😩 Cameras could definitely be a deterrent, especially if logging footage straight to a cloud.
@@deblordoutdoors5783 dont trust too much in hand combat skills, looking strong and big is a much more functional deterrent that actually knowing how to fight...think about paper spray instead since its a fantastic self defense weapon...can you get something similar and are the fines for having it that big?
It’s not so much a fine I’d be bothered about as much as having it on my criminal record as an offensive weapon. I could potentially face termination of my employment as I work with vulnerable adults.
@@deblordoutdoors5783 well you could consult with a lawyer, its an important thing to know about in detail. No state cares about their citizens safety as much as the citizens do.
With how people carry knifes these days I think we all have thoughts like you has a man if I cycle towards a group of hooded youths I save my energy on the approach just incase they take a fancy to my bike then I speed past them
Yeah, knife crime definitely appears to be on the rise. I carry a Swiss Army knife in my pack, but wouldn’t have access to it quickly enough if needed for self-defence, and obviously, don’t want to be found carrying a blade when it looks like it’s intended to be used for self-defence. It’s really tough in the U.K. to carry anything to defend yourself if needed while staying on the right side of the law. I worked somewhere a handful of years ago where we had to park our cars away from the building, and when finishing at 10pm, we’d have to walk there in the dark. My female colleague bought a very small “keyring” that could be a bit stabby if needed. Fully available to purchase on Amazon, but management got wind of it and she ended up on disciplinary. 🤦♀️
@@deblordoutdoors5783 we was diverted on our ride Saturday because of this.A murder investigation has been launched after a man was found dead near a footpath in a Derbyshire village. A member of the public made the discovery at around 7.20pm on a path near Risley Lane, Breaston on Friday (June 23).