I recently started commuting to work by bicycle. I really love it and that has led to me using the bikes for everything possible -- going to the gym, bank, grocery store, my bullseye shooting club, friends' houses, out to eat, target, and joy riding with my brothers on the weekends. I carry during all of these activities except my actual commute to and from work. Anyone else doing this and if so, what challenges have you encountered carrying while on the bike and going about your business while biking. What are your most risk-rich environments that you bike in. I can't be the only one doing this. Regards to all.

This topic has been addressed before.

FWIW, I see (still) no reason, absent you wearing "racing shorts/tights, that you wouldn't carry on your waist, strong side, OWB/IWB.

Be safe.

You could always try a messenger bag. Lots of folks on bikes use them. Maxpedition probably has some of the best readily available ones.

IMHO, cross draw, under the arm, is possibly a better position to draw from when seated (on a bike or otherwise) than strong side/OWB, but to each their own. Some folks apparently have good luck with the TRUSS system for concealed carry while working out (in various ways) but I keep getting sidetracked so haven't obtained one yet to form a personal opinion.

I agree, that waist carry is still preferred on the bike and that is how I do it, IWB strong side. Sometimes I do find that the backpack waist strap inteferes with the holstered gun but I have learned to adjust it to minimize that problem. Another thing that you have to watch for is the bottom of the backpack resting against the butt of the gun. I tighten the shoulder straps to lift the backpack and carry the weight higher up on my shoulders to relieve this problem.

I very occasionally ride BMX bikes. That's what I did when I was a kid in the early eighties and still enjoy it, I'm just far more cautious than I was back when I could bounce back from anything. I appendix carry a snubby and drop a mouse gun in each front pocket.

If it weren't for a 64 mile daily commute I'd consider ridding a bike too.

The closest I come is ridding my motorcycle which means a piece carried in the handbar tool bag and/or my jacket pocket.

MOONDAWG

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Originally posted by yes:
What are your most risk-rich environments that you bike in.

I might have missed it, but I have NEVER seen this topic addressed here before.

I have always considered injury from a traffic accident to be the greatest risk I faced while riding a bicycle on the streets. Personally, I cannot think of any place I would not ride a bicycle in my area that I would drive a car. Even after dark I am more concerned about being hit by inattentive drivers than being assaulted; but I try not to ride at night at all, and especially not without lights.

I know that the mere presence of bicyclists can bring out the worst in some people, however. (I guess because the fools perceive themselves in a position of great power and anonymity in relation to the vulnerable cyclist?) Non-cyclists might never guess the prevalence of crazies in our society that might otherwise go unnoticed. Anyway, if you were to decide on a messenger bag, fanny pack, or some other type of pack, you might reconsider carrying on your commute. You could then lock up your piece at work if necessary using a small luggage lock on the zipper pulls of the pack. I don't think I would consider any mode of carry that did not permit me ready access from the cycling position, however.

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Non-cyclists might never guess the prevalence of crazies in our society that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Isn't that the truth! I can't count the number of nitwits who have driven by as closely as possible, to scare me, or the number of pop cans and beer bottles thrown at me as I was riding along, minding my own business.

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I don't think I would consider any mode of carry that did not permit me ready access from the cycling position, however.

I used to wear a Model 34 when trail riding. After a couple pretty good tumbles, I lost interest in that, lest the 34 suffer accordingly. It was more for recreation than protection, anyway. On the street, with clipless pedals, you are going to be stopping and getting off - unless you are really something!

I agree that traffic is (and dogs are ) much more of a concern, than the chance of an assault. Still, it could be a factor. That came to my attention when I was sitting along the side of the road, sweating away, repairing a tire in an Indiana SRA where druggers and other PNGs are known to congregate. After that, I decided to carry a pretty good-sized, but relatively lightweight, folding knife with serrated blade. Hopefully, it looks a little imposing, and might be better than nothing. It rides along under the seat, secured against the side of the seatbag, hardly noticeable, but can be deployed fairly quickly.

I have had one pretty good spill due to "unsecured dogs," but I could never bring myself to shoot a dog, so I don't worry about that. It would be nice to be able to shoot the idiot owners who let their dogs roam free to ambush you.

I got attacked by two midsized dogs while riding my 1980s GT performer in 1996. I ran over one and kicked the other one so hard I almost fell off my bike (while going a good twenty miles an hour) in 1996. They had bitten neighborhood kids so I spared them no pain. After that they stayed on the porch when I rode by.

For a hard workout on a road bike I use a small Fanny pack and a Kal Tek P3AT or 340PD. When wearing a bike shirt with the rear pockets I just put the 380 in a pocket holster and drop it in one of the rear shirt pockets and cell phone, ccw and ID in the other.

There are bike bags that mount to the handle bars. I believe the bike trails in Omaha are considered city parks and weapons would be illegal. Pepper spray might be effective. If the gun was not on your body it would be risky to go inside someplace for refreshments without shuffling a gun around. Definitely a bad idea in front of the Quickmart.

I ride my Specialized Hybrid Mt. Bike around the bike trails near my house, that form a network to the towns in my area. I always carry a foling lockback knife in my back pocket. That way, if I am separated from my bike, due to a fall, I still have access to my knife to protect me.

I have also carried a Walther P22 (15 ozs.)in a IWB holster forward of the hip. Your shirt tends to hang away from your body, as you lean forward slightly. This makes it easy to conceal, even a larger weapon. Stay safe!!! Bob

I either use a frame pack or a fanny pack. My biggest threat is getting run over or hit with something (like last weekend). The ccw would be a last resort for a dog gnawing on my leg.

pps, I don't think that you'd want to fire a gun at a dog, even if he is chewing on you. You'd, most likely, be facing a variety of charges.....including discharging a weapon in a residential area and whatever else they can dream up. You will not be looked at fondly, by those people!!! Bob

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Originally posted by BobK:
pps, I don't think that you'd want to fire a gun at a dog, even if he is chewing on you. You'd, most likely, be facing a variety of charges.....including discharging a weapon in a residential area and whatever else they can dream up. You will not be looked at fondly, by those people!!! Bob

I'd say (if California law is like Michigan's in that regard) that legal repercussions might vary according to the severity of the attack and size of the dog. If a person is about to be killed or maimed deadly force would be warranted. I got in a scuffle with a large german shepard a couple years ago, it was a blood bath, and he only got in one good bite. It totally legally qualified as a deadly force encounter IMO (ability, opportunity, jeapordy). My reward for winning was a trip to the ER and a finger that was smashed like a grape.