I’ve been quiet on social media this last week and honestly wasn’t sure whether to post about this or not but decided, after talking with some friends, that I would.
Don’t worry this is not one of those PM me for details hun posts but more giving some information that others might find useful.
I often ride early morning, sometimes alone, sometimes with others, sometimes on the road and sometimes on the trails. It’s very light quite early now and I have always felt safe and had no issues, until last Tuesday.
I headed out in my local trails and saw the same man 3 times, not unusual but on the 3rd time he jumped off the grass onto the path I was on and tried to grab me. He didn’t say a word, didn’t actually grab me and didn’t chase after me, so I want to make that clear that I am absolutely fine.
I promptly cycled off in the other direction and headed straight home via the roads. I phoned my husband so he knew my whereabouts. There were tears and it left me quite shaken up. I think adrenaline kicked in when it happened but when I got home and had to explain it I got very upset.
Over the following days that upset then turned to anger. It made me think maybe I shouldn’t be cycling alone and that I should change what I was doing.
I did report to the police over the phone and they took all details and were very helpful. I wasn’t actually sure if I needed to do this as technically nothing ended up happening but as a just in case it was definitely worth reporting. They said should anything else happen they will be in touch so I am actually hoping I don’t hear from them and it was an isolated incident.
Two of the reasons I debated sharing this was because I didn’t want to scare anyone and I also didn’t want unhelpful comments saying maybe I shouldn’t be cycling alone on the trails. I should not have to feel like that!
I like to think I am fairly sensible and as I said I have always felt safe cycling solo before. Here are a list of things to do for safety:
- Let someone know where you are going. I normally tell my husband what route I am planning on taking so he knows roughly where I will be and has an idea on what time I should roughly be back. If that changes I will give him a heads up I might be longer.
- Use a tracker if you have one – there are many ways to do this including, but not limited to, find your iPhone, bike computers, what’s app and Strava.
- Have lights if needed – same with hi-vis working off the logic to be safe and seen.
- Take your phone and make sure it is charged.
- Carry money/bank card just in case you might need it.
- ID – I wear an ID band and have an ID tag on my helmet that you can read more about here, but you could also have a drivers licence.
- Vary your route.
- Carry tools/kit you may need – different people take different things with them when they ride but the idea is if you get into trouble you have what you may need. This is what I carry in my saddle bag.
- Make sure your bike is in good working order before you go out. A few simple checks can help and I have a post on what I check pre ride that you can read here.
- Trust your instinct – if something doesn’t feel right and you need to adapt then do so!
Thanks for this , I must admit I hadnt thought much about it until my other half said how would I know where you were if you had a problem . I have a tendency to go off route if I find a road I dont know where it goes or change my mind mid route and go somewhere else. I go on local trails which have unpredictable cattle and horses and not a lot of people . So it did make me think. So now I stick to my route , text him when i leave home and where I’m going and he knows how long it will take me and i text him when I’m back if hes at work. Not had any scary situations out on my bike but had an uncomfortable moment when I was out with the dogs , felt really vulnerable . I got out my phone and rang my friend . Keep safe lovely, you are inspirational xx
Thanks for your comment and good to hear you are already doing some of the things I mentioned too. I won’t let it stop me but will probably be more aware than before. A friend of mine was saying about the difference between road and MTB cycling and she is right there are various differences to take into consideration for sure.
Thanks for sharing Lisa,
All great advice and yes you have done the right thing in both reporting to the Police and letting others know what can occur, I have only ever encountered one scary time riding alone and it was from a car full of you g lads but it didn’t put me off, I always stick to the route I have told my Hubby and try to be as visible as possible but I am guilty for popping my mobile in my saddle bag where it is not so accessible, so I shall change that!
Glad you are okay and that you shared, happy riding x
And pleased you were ok too!
Like your cycle shades. What is the make please?
Thanks they are Oakley Sutros – I like a wide pair of glasses with good coverage.