I'm a teen, (15yrs) and i8 can't tell you how much I want the freedom to ride my bike to school! Sadly, the path to my school is mostly through a forest preserve, and I'd be riding in the early morn'(~6:15am) A family friend, a policeman, has refused me to ride my bike to school, and naturally as do my parents. I actually do completely understand the dangers of me, a girl riding alone...but I'm really hoping there's some way, precautions, like pepper spray on hand, anything!!!
Thanks so much!
2007-07-20 15:31:42 · 12 answers · asked by moooooooooooo 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Okay, I have two friends that live pretty close, and i think we'd be able to ride together...where does that leave me then?
2007-07-20 15:59:18 · update #1
Sadly, it's not safe. Have you taken a look at the list of child preditors in your area? Look at this site: http://www.familywatchdog.us/
It's very sad, but your family and police friend are right.
One solution might be for you to travel with several other friends. If you have friends in your neighborhood that can bike to school with you, that might be a better idea. But honestly, a young girl traveling alone (and near a forest preserve too!) is not a wise idea. So sorry.
2007-07-20 15:39:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Life is not black and white, so there are many sides to this dilemma. While I resent the fact that it is not always wise for a girl to ride alone in different situations, I don't think we should give in to this problem completely. I feel we have a responsibility to make decisions with the knowledge that it is not just about our wishes, but also about how the results will affect our loved ones. So, how about tackling this task with some varied actions. A friend accompanying you is the best, but if that is not possible, how about having someone from school meet you halfway on your bike and one of your parents ride the first half, giving everyone more exercise. Also, could you vary your time a bit each day so there is not a regular schedule for someone to observe, or maybe vary the days that you ride. Another idea is taking a self defense course that would help you form a picture of someone who is not an easy victim, as well as reassure you and your parents of your inner strengths. Small changes, such as wearing a helmet and the clothes you choose to ride in, sends a message that you are a serious biker and not one to be messed with on a casual basis. Last, maybe just calling your parents when you reach school, or having neighbors that you pass look for you each day you ride, might add a bit of security to your task. I would not advertise it around school that you are riding your bike alone. One never knows who is listening, or who is passing on tidbits of information. Good luck with your decisions, and keep on riding. You set a great example.
2007-07-20 16:59:20 · answer #2 · answered by maggiecolbydylan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah I heard of people getting knocked over their bikes but that is generally when they are carrying a really expensive bicycles. Are you cycling during the day?> During night time have lights ready. Really powerfull ones. If you think about it well enough you can't have someone with you all the time. It is scarry at first specially with dumb drivers. Just make sure you got front and back brakes.
2016-05-18 23:30:58 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh, don't give up just yet... I'd focus on finding a riding partner or two. Also, have a cell phone with you when you ride. If you aren't riding alone and you have a way to call for help, I'm guessing there wouldn't be a serious objection to your riding to school.
2007-07-20 15:57:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't I live in atlanta and a 35 year old woman was raped and muredered in a good part of town on a bike trail last year.
2007-07-20 15:42:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
OH UM ! Carry a jack hammer and a plunger and just believe in stanley steamer because when u whistle he'll be there thats why i believe ----child u have to believe in stanley if u do not have faith he will not be there!
2007-07-20 18:34:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
yeah its safe if its in the day if you like in a bad part of town put some mace in your pocket
good luck
2007-07-20 15:35:32 · answer #7 · answered by cash$ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get some mace and be careful and dont stop for anyone cause you cant accelerate well on a bike
2007-07-20 15:39:48 · answer #8 · answered by rasengan609 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have my sympathy, there is nothing we can say that will change your parents mind.
They are being over portective as chances you are perfectly safe cycling to scholl - but at least you know they care!
2007-07-20 15:37:18 · answer #9 · answered by g fh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to be safe. just do what they tell u
u never know what could happen. and when it happens everything is too late by than.
watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGit2R1qJno
2007-07-20 15:40:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋