Self defence

[ComedyPilot]

This thread is inspired by benborp's WVM assault

How many people who commute by bike and 'regularly' get into conflict with drivers can actually, hand on heart, say they can defend themselves should the situation escalate?

I would fully recommend people who commute take some form of self-defense class, and (perish the thought) have the skill to hand should they need it.

I am not advocating 'looking for trouble', I just think people (cyclists) should be better prepared. I don't mean that every rider should be a Shaolin Monk/Bruce Lee/Chuck Norris in disguise, but a few helpful 'tricks' might stop them being a victim?

Thoughts?

I know CookieMonster does Thai Boxing, and Magnatom is handy at Judo, but how many others who experience road rage/conflict have any martial art training?

 

[upsidedown]

I was talking to a colleague about this the other day. I said that one day somebody's going to get out of a car and I'd like to be able to do that arm bending thing that the police do, or at least some basic form of self-defence. I haven't got the patience or self-discipline to learn a martial art so that's out of the question.

 

[gbb]

I always say to colleagues when explaining conflicts ive had with drivers (which taken the mileage and years ive been cycling is a VERY SMALL percentage)...that one day i'll come to work with a black eye

I'm not a fighter, but i dont back down easily either. Not sure where its going to take me one day.

But whats the option ? Not say anything ? Not do anything ?...no, i'll keeo fighting my corner.

 

[400bhp]

I'm on my bike.

I'm in the middle of an exercise routine

I wear a helmet

I'm physically fit

......................

That's a head start.

................................

However...

I wear clipless shoes

I am wearning reasonably thin clothing (no stab vest)

I have a relatively fragile bike.


Self defence classes are a help but that can be said for life in general.

 

[Hacienda71]

I would be slightly concerned if i got into a confrontation wearing road cleats even if I could handle myself.

If someone was attacking me and I couldn't cycle away and it was serious then I would be tempted to use my bike as a weapon or some sort of shield. I like my bike but I like my life more.

 

[400bhp]

We're a right bunch of two wheeled warriors

 

[rosscbrown]

My d-lock is nicely weighted. And the locking part is covered in a soft-ish plastic and thus makes a nice hand grip. Bring it...

On a more serious note, I'm much more a fan of the 'cycle away really really fast' approach. :-)

 

[the snail]

On a more serious note, I'm much more a fan of the 'cycle away really really fast' approach. :-)

it's a kind of martial art really. In fact I have a black belt in Yawa Nuri, so watch out.

 

[downfader]

Self preservation and avoiding conflict should always come first. Avoiding swearing (and I know from a personal experience that this can be hard) can help.

I do have a past that involved basic martial arts (chinese kick boxing, our family has a martial arts history including boxing and san da). I also know that the bike can become a handy sheild should I need it. I have defended myself in the past as a youth and I know that projecting an image of being "big" or "hard" can help dissuade.

I think this is not just suitable for bad drivers who get in a s***, but muggers etc.. self preservation is needed for that too. I have read about girls and women being attacked and knowing how to read a situation before it happens (are you being followed, is there someone watching you, etc) is a skill that can be learned.

I think there are many urban survival clubs that are ideal for this. My Brother did one that covered doorman duties even. A good class will give you the hands-on techniques and verbal strategies.

 

[Howard]

How many people who commute by bike and 'regularly' get into conflict with drivers can actually, hand on heart, say they can defend themselves should the situation escalate?

Thoughts?

Someone somewhere said 'Don't start anything you can't finish'. Good advice.

 

[automatic_jon]

I'm a lover, not a fighter.

 

[jimboalee]

Does the Territorial Army suffice?

 

[Bollo]

Does the Territorial Army suffice?

For being a lover or a fighter?

 

[downfader]

For being a lover or a fighter?

No, thats the Navy.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

I've seen the results of someone trained in self defence confronting an enraged oik intent on destruction. I'll not bother thanks.