Riding a bike is a great form of exercise. Many of us do it to stay fit and healthy. Towns and cities often establish bike lanes so cyclists don’t have to deal with car traffic and other distractions. Although we have taken precautions to protect cyclists, surprising and tragic events can often occur. We need to be prepared when they do.

Recently, an article was published about a woman who was attacked while riding a bike on a local bike path. The article noted that this was just one of several incidents that had occurred in that bike lane in recent years. The cyclist said he had seen the man earlier in the day. We know that if she saw him, he certainly saw her, and probably started making plans at that point to assault her later in the day when it was safest for him. A person traveling alone can be an easy target. Cyclists, in general, can be very vulnerable. It doesn’t take much to push a rider and gain an advantage. Police offered suggestions for safer biking throughout the area. First, ride a bike in pairs or groups. Someone is less likely to be attacked if there are other people around. Keep your cell phone handy and make sure your 911 feature is on.

Also, you may want to bring something to protect yourself, such as pepper spray, a TASER, or a stun gun. The legality of TASERS and stun guns varies from state to state, and you’d better check the laws in your state of residence. Pepper spray is legal in all fifty states. However, some states control it more than others. Keep your pepper spray in a handy place. You don’t want to be groping when time is of the essence and someone is trying to attack you. Pepper spray is the perfect deterrent against an attack. First of all, it is not lethal; you will not kill anyone. Second, the attacker doesn’t need to be very close to you for it to work. Most aerosols will shoot between ten and fifteen feet.

The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin derived from plants of the genus capsicum, of which chili is one. Pepper spray is also known as Oleoresin Capsicum. It is an inflammatory spray that will enter the attacker’s eyes and cause temporary blindness. The attacker will also have difficulty breathing and will be incapacitated for a time. This will give you time to get away from your attacker. This is exactly what it takes to buy yourself some time and escape your attacker. Pepper spray gives that time.

Remember, being prepared is key. It’s too late to think about it once something happens. Personal protection must be obtained now, while the idea is fresh in our minds. We constantly read or hear news about someone who has been attacked. The FBI reports that a violent crime is committed every 22 seconds. Let’s not be one of those victims. Preparation for self-defense can make a difference. Make sure every adult member of your family wears personal defense protection. Many different types of stores sell pepper spray. It can also be purchased online. When you buy it, get enough for your loved ones too. Pepper spray is not an expensive item. It can be given as a gift or for no other reason than to protect a wife, child, or anyone you love or care about.