Personal safety
Tips for dealing with harassment on the road
Any cyclist - male or female - can fall victim to harassment on the road. Most cyclists should expect a minor incident occasionally, but it's possible to decrease your chances of running into trouble by being prepared. City commuter Lisa Dempster's tips on preventing and dealing with harassment and more serious incidents will help to increase your safety and confidence while riding.
Prevention
Don't become stranded
Don't allow yourself to become stranded by mechanical failures. Waiting on the side of the road for help can leave you in a vulnerable position. Learn some basic repairs - like changing flat tyres - so when your bike breaks down you can fix it and be on your way in minimal time.
Learn cycling skills
Good cycling skills will make you a more confident cyclist, so you'll be better equipped to handle threatening situations if they arise. Practise sprinting, jumping curbs, quick turns and anything else that might help you escape in an emergency.
Project confidence
Riding too cautiously or fearfully makes you an easy target. Projecting confidence and competence will make you seem more in control, so you'll be less likely to be bothered.
Avoid trouble
If a car cuts you off or nearly hits you, don't retaliate by shouting or thumping their car. Angering someone driving while you are riding is not a good idea.
Clothing tips
Try to avoid very revealing clothing or anything that will show cleavage as you lean over the handlebars, especially if you are riding through traffic or in town. Tucking your hair into your helmet may help disguise your gender.
Kit tips
Consider getting a rear-view mirror on your helmet or handlebars. You will be able to see if a car is coming too close or if someone looks like they might be going to yell something out of their window at you, and move out of the way.
Tell someone you're going
Always tell someone where you plan on riding and when you think you'll be back.
Stay alert
Keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously, especially near debris on the road. Watch the traffic, to avoid potential problems before they arise.
Vary your route
Varying your route and cycling time as often as possible will make you a less obvious target.
Stay in control
Don't be taken by surprise. If riding at night, use powerful lights that illuminate the path ahead. Don't ride too close to pedestrians or objects that may conceal an attacker. Be aware when you are in a space that conceals you from view.
Follow your instincts
If something makes you feel uneasy, don't second guess your feelings. Trust your instincts and do something about it. If another cyclist is making you feel anxious or there is a menacing-looking person on the street corner up ahead, don't worry about hurting the feelings of someone you don't know - turn around and go back.
"Once when I was training a man rode up and began chatting to me and asking me lots of questions about myself. I started to feel uncomfortable so I peeled off and sprinted away, down two streets then into someone's driveway. It can be hard when something like that happens because men have a physical advantage over women - if they are on a bike it can be hard to get away from them."
Kate, road racer
If trouble occurs
Don't stop
If a situation arises or you feel uneasy, stay on your bike and keep riding. Being on a bike may be your biggest advantage - it's faster than walking and more mobile than being in a car.
Don't automatically stop for a flat tyre if it should happen in a place which makes you feel vulnerable, or is caused by something that shouldn't have been on the road (it could be placed deliberately) - it's better to trash your rim than put yourself in danger.
Plan your escape
Take note of your surroundings and know what you will do if a situation arises. If you think someone is following you, plan how to get out of there. This is where your bike-handling skills may come in handy. Be unpredictable - jump a curb and get onto a different street in a hurry, or do a quick turn and sprint down the street in the direction you just came.
Call for help
Attract attention to yourself if you're in danger. Call for help and ring your bike bell repeatedly, as the noise may deter a potential attacker. If you can, get out your mobile and call 000 (or 112 from some mobiles).
Fight back
If you are in serious trouble and can't escape, fight back. If you have one, grab your U-lock to use as a club, or throw your bike at the attacker - it may buy you a valuable few seconds to get away.
Reporting an incident
Harassment
It can be scary and intimidating to be harassed while you're on your bike. Harassment can include being yelled, wolf-whistled or honked at, having lewd comments directed at you, being swerved towards, or being followed.
Tell me more about what to do if I am harassed whilst riding.
Victim of crime
If you have been a victim of crime (for example, violence, mugging, theft or sexual assault), visit your local police station as soon as possible.
If you are unable or unwilling to attend a police station, you could phone or visit your local Women's Information and Referral Service (WIRE). The information services are totally confidential and staffed by women, who will listen to you and offer advice, reliable information and support.
Call WIRE in Victoria on 1300 134 130.
Tell me more about how to contact information and referral services in all states.